Ranking the 5 Chicago Cubs players most likely to have a breakout season

3. 3B Matt Shaw

Although the team attempted to upgrade their third base situation by offering Alex Bregman a contract, the veteran decided to ink a deal with the Boston Red Sox. This left top prospect Matt Shaw as the team's most logical option for third base.

Shaw has proven to be more than capable with every minor league promotion he has received in his brief time as a pro. After being taken 13th overall in the 2023 draft, Shaw stormed through the Cubs' system to earn his status as the organization's no. 1 prospect. Between Double-A Knoxville and Triple-A Iowa last year, Shaw slashed .284/.379/.488, with 44 extra-base hits, 62 walks, and 31 stolen bases.

His balance of power and speed gives Shaw 20-20 potential in the big leagues, with the ability to hit for average and use plate discipline to take walks. Shaw can also play all infield positions aside from first base, which gives the team a lot of flexibility defensively since he plays them at a high level.

Shaw's adaptability, high ceiling, and mental fortitude make him a prime candidate to break into the majors and stay there for a long time. Third base is his job to lose at this point

2. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong

Pete Crow-Armstrong has already shown the ability to play at a solid level in MLB. After struggling at the plate in the immediate months after his 2024 callup, Crow-Armstrong turned it around and raised his wRC+ to 104 in the second half. The young outfielder still has time to develop his bat since he's only heading into his age-23 season. But if he takes a legitimate step forward offensively, he will be an incredibly valuable component of the team.

Crow-Armstrong already has two impressive tools in his game and they almost warrant a roster spot on their own. Crow-Armstrong's elite speed and everyday presence in the lineup already give him a chance to be among the league leaders in stolen bases in 2025. His legs, along with his gold-glove caliber defense in center field, will justify his playing time.

But if Crow-Armstrong can keep using the opposite field, or even improve his plate discipline to generate more walks, his feet will give the Cubs a unique run-producing threat. Crow-Armstrong's speed keeps the pitcher humble and often forces the defense to make errors and unwise plays. These chaotic situations usually involve Crow-Armstrong taking at least an additional 90 feet on the basepaths and sometimes more.

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