Baseball, at its core, is a recreation of persistence—and timing. For Matt Shaw, the wait has lasted just below two months, however the journey has felt longer. Chicago’s high place prospect is returning to the large leagues, referred to as again by a Cubs staff nonetheless looking for consistency at third base and for a spark within the coronary heart of a pennant race. Shaw’s first style of the majors was bitter. His second? The Cubs imagine it may be totally different. As a result of this time, the swing is easier. The second, maybe, extra manageable. And the idea—nonetheless very a lot alive.
REPORT: Cubs prospect Matt Shaw is being referred to as up, per @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/Xm0z4AQsc4
— Marquee Sports activities Community (@WatchMarquee) Could 19, 2025
From Setback to Swing Change: Shaw’s Second Probability
In mid-April, the numbers informed a tough reality. One residence run. Three RBIs. Eighteen strikeouts in 58 plate appearances. For Matt Shaw, the early returns on his main league debut weren’t simply underwhelming—they had been unfamiliar. The sport that had come so naturally by faculty and the minors had turned, out of the blue, right into a mirror of changes.
Shaw was despatched again to Triple-A Iowa. To not disappear, however to rebuild.
The main target was mechanical. The leg kick was shortened. The intent, simplified. After which the swing began to match the promise. Over 24 video games in Iowa, Shaw batted .286 with six residence runs and an OPS over .950. Extra importantly, the ball was coming off his bat with goal once more—pushed to all fields, lifted with authority, and touchdown the place defenses couldn’t attain.
Matt Shaw has 5 HR in his final 35 PA at Iowa. Has his swing modified since being despatched down?
Not a lot — swing mechanics look comparable (left: yesterday, proper: with Cubs).
However one refined distinction: his posture seems to be extra upright now. May very well be a tweak to assist with really feel… pic.twitter.com/9XH9FQVrkN
— Brendan Miller (@brendan_cubs) Could 17, 2025
“He had gotten a bit passive,” Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly mentioned. “Now he’s driving the baseball once more.”
Baseball doesn’t supply ensures, simply alternatives. And for Shaw, the second arrives with fewer expectations however maybe a stronger sense of self.
A Struggling Spot in a Contending Lineup
If Matt Shaw’s bat can match the idea, the Cubs could lastly discover solutions in a spot that’s solely produced questions.
Third base has been a void. No residence runs. A .184 common. An OPS that ranks among the many worst in baseball. Chicago has relied on Jon Berti and Nicky Lopez—gamers whose gloves present steadiness, however whose bats haven’t provided a lot else.
The staff holds a slim lead within the Nationwide League Central. And in a division the place each recreation might matter, they want manufacturing—not simply stability. Shaw brings that risk. He additionally brings vitality. Confidence. The quiet urgency of a participant who is aware of what it means to be despatched down and to earn his method again.
Lopez, by all indications, didn’t journey with the staff to Miami. He’s anticipated to be traded or designated for project. It’s a tough second for a veteran. However baseball is usually a recreation of timing, and Shaw’s timing—after a month of adjustment—now feels proper.
He gained’t be requested to hold the offense. He’ll be requested to contribute. To compete. And possibly, to remind the Cubs of what they noticed once they referred to as his identify on draft day.
The Highway Again Begins on the Highway
Fittingly, Shaw’s return gained’t start beneath the lights of Wrigley, however removed from residence—within the echo of customer dugouts in Miami and Cincinnati.
This highway journey is extra than simply video games for the Cubs. It’s an early-season hinge level. And it’s the place Shaw begins once more.
For a 23-year-old, that is the job’s twin nature: celebrated prospect one second, demoted scholar the subsequent. However Shaw has dealt with each with the form of professionalism that resonates past numbers.
He wasn’t bitter when he was despatched down. He went to work. He listened. He modified.
Matt Shaw made it to Miami 😎 pic.twitter.com/cYSaHu3JrG
— Marquee Sports activities Community (@WatchMarquee) Could 19, 2025
Now, he returns not as a savior, however as a spark. And within the quiet between innings, within the swing that now comes with much less raise however extra goal, the Cubs are hoping to seek out what they’ve been lacking.
Perhaps it’s not about how a season begins.
Perhaps it’s about the way it resets.
