Discover Matt Shaw - Future Cubs Hitting Sensation!

Matt Shaw's time is now: Chicago’s No. 1 prospect is ready to prove himself at the big league level. The 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft has surged through the prospect rankings, currently sitting in the No. 19 spot on MLB.com’s list. Shaw, a University of Maryland phenom, smashed the single-season home run record with 23 in 2023, finishing with 44 career nukes during his tenure, while earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors. Fast forward to his 2024 campaign in the Minor League, he has further solidified his case to earn the spot in the 2025 Chicago Cubs’ Opening Day Lineup.

With plus strike zone awareness and raw power, paired with the ability to spray the ball from pole to pole, his style at the plate echoes the Red Sox legend, Dustin Pedroia. Shaw's balanced approach has made him an incredibly consistent hitter, and an improvement on his pulled ball rate will unlock his ability to unleash more destruction at the plate.

Why Matt Shaw Should Be on Your DFS Radar

✅ Elite Bat to Ball Skills: Shaw is a powerhouse at putting balls into play, which will solidify him as a reliable fantasy contributor. As his plus hit tool and sneaky power continue to mesh, his offensive ceiling will only continue to climb.

✅ Speed Factor: With 31 steals on 42 attempts last season, he has proved that he possesses the wheels to add DFS value on both the basepaths and at the plate.

✅ Multi-Position Versatility: Seeing Matt Shaw at third base is the most probable option when Shaw cracks the opening day roster, although he has the experience under his belt to play shortstop and second base, allowing him to be an adjustable piece.

🏟️ The Path to Wrigley Field

The Cubs missing out on Bregman means Matt Shaw's opportunity at third base looks imminent. With Isaac Paredes shipped off to Houston, the hot corner is Shaw’s to lose, despite John Berti and Gage Workman lurking in the mix.

Early this week, Manager Craig Counsell called Shaw into his office to give him the news that he’ll be making the trip to Japan for the Tokyo Series, a two-game set on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome. Shaw has roared back after he was shelved for two weeks with a minor oblique issue. In 16 at bats this spring, he’s hitting .313 with a pair of extra base hits and a swiped bag.

The Chicago Cubs have not had a rookie start at third base on Opening Day since Gary Scott in 1991, but Shaw is on a one way street to change that. He possesses not only the potential to be an everyday option but also the ability to generate massive buzz across the league and develop into a superstar.