Top Prospect Matt Shaw Has Mild Oblique Injury

Today marks the Cubs’ first full-squad workout in Mesa, with all players having reported for practice. Among the players in big-league camp is top prospect Matt Shaw, who made a name for himself in 2024 with an impressive campaign. He continued to earn high praise when he performed in the Premier 12 tournament with Team USA this winter. Since Alex Bregman signed with the Red Sox, Shaw now has a clear path to start the season as the third baseman.

The only thing that could get in the way is an injury, and that’s exactly what happened.

Cubs prized third base prospect Matt Shaw is dealing with an oblique issue but the Cubs don’t believe it’s serious and is day to day.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 14, 2025

Craig Counsell doesn’t believe the issue is serious, but that shouldn’t stop fans from worrying about the lingering effects. Oblique injuries can stay around for a while, as we’ve seen with Seiya Suzuki the past two years. Javier Assad was also shut down a few days ago with an oblique injury.

Though the mild nature of Shaw’s injury is comforting, the question of who would take his place is somewhat alarming since there isn’t a clear backup. Jon Berti is the leading candidate, but he’s not someone that you want starting every day in the event of an extended IL stint. And while Justin Turner has been linked to the Cubs as a free agent, he hasn’t spent significant time at third base since 2022.

Fingers crossed this ends up being nothing.