This will be the Chicago Cubs answer at third base by the end of the season

The third base position haas been a point of emphasis for the Chicago Cubs during Spring Training.

While it would seem unlikely that the team will be given another opportunity to David Bote at the Major League level, manager Craig Counsell admitted that the team may enter the season without a defined plan for the position.

The defensive shortcomings of Christopher Morel at third base are beginning to become more apparent during Spring Training games, leaving many to suggest that Morel can't be viewed as the answer at the position if the Cubs are planning on contending this season.

It would seem that the Cubs are headed toward a point where they will need to make a fascinating decision.

Assuming the Cubs are in contention in the weeks leading into the MLB Trade Deadline at the end of July but Morel's defense has not improved, the team may need to debate whether to keep moving forward with the original plan, trade for a rental third baseman for the second consecutive season, or promote 2023 first-round pick Matt Shaw.

Shaw has been one of the biggest takeaways from Cactus League games this Spring. Shaw has hit the ball hard and Jon Morosi of MLB Network made a bold prediction this week.

Matt Shaw will be the Chicago Cubs starting third baseman by the end of the season.

The belief when the Cubs drafted Shaw last summer was that the prospect would be on an accelerated path toward reaching the Major League level. Shaw's placement at the start of the regular season will be telling. If Shaw opens the season with Triple-A Iowa, that would be a clear sign that the team may be eyeing a promotion in the second half. If the plan becomes reality, the Cubs will finally have an answer to the question at third base that has been unaddressed since the day Kris Bryant was traded.

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