Matt Shaw Promoted for Miami Series

The Cubs are promoting Matt Shaw, deciding they have seen enough to bring the third baseman back to the big leagues. Craig Counsell was coy about the move during his media availability following the sweep of the White Sox, but the writing on the wall was already clear.

Shaw was originally in the starting lineup for the Iowa Cubs on Sunday, so his late scratch for non-injury reasons hinted at a likely promotion. He’s been on an absolute tear with the Triple-A squad, including four home runs within two days against the St. Paul Saints last week. His OPS now sits at .969, 434 points higher than his stint with the Cubs.

While Shaw is still using a leg kick, CHGO’s Brendan Miller pointed out his straightened posture.

Matt Shaw has 5 HR in his last 35 PA at Iowa. Has his swing changed since being sent down?

Not much — swing mechanics look similar (left: yesterday, right: with Cubs).

But one subtle difference: his posture appears to be more upright now. Could be a tweak to help with feel… pic.twitter.com/9XH9FQVrkN

— Brendan Miller (@brendan_cubs) May 17, 2025

A corresponding move hasn’t been announced, but there were three clear candidates to be removed from the roster. Jon Berti‘s speed and positional versatility are important facets, but his .512 OPS, 50 wRC+, and -2 outs above average in just 29 games must improve. Vidal Bruján excelled in the Crosstown Classic, boosting his chances of staying on the roster a while longer. He collected three hits and drove in two runs against the White Sox. His switch-hitting ability also adds value compared Berti.

Nicky Lopez was signed at the end of April but hasn’t been productive in the limited playing time he’s received. Jon Heyman reported that the Cubs will try to trade Lopez, who did not travel with the team to Miami and will likely be designated for assignment.

Shaw needs to perform better than he did at the start of the season, something his adjustments at Triple-A should facilitate, but the bar is pretty low when it comes to the production the Cubs have gotten from the third base spot. Getting anywhere close to his potential will be a big upgrade at the only spot in the lineup that has been a weakness to this point.