Matt

Shaw

It’s Shaw’s first MLB hit, and it came on an infield single in the fifth inning. The 23-year-old rookie nearly picked up another hit in the ninth, but was robbed on a nice piece of defense from Miguel Rojas. It was only two games, but Shaw looked overmatched at times against the Dodger pitching staff. He’s one of the best prospects in baseball, but like most young players, it won’t be a surprise if there’s a learning curve to begin his career.

Shaw has officially made Chicago’s season-opening roster and will likely make his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Dodgers in the first game of the season-opening Tokyo Series. The 23-year-old top prospect boasts strong bat-to-ball skills and a power-speed combination that makes it easy to envision realistic 20-homer, 25-steal upside in his rookie campaign. He takes over as the Cubs’ starting third baseman after batting .284/.379/.488 with 21 homers and 31 steals in 523 plate appearances last year between Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Tennessee. He’s a borderline top-15 option at the hot corner for fantasy purposes entering the regular season.

The Cubs had been unsure if Shaw would make the trip after his spring training was delayed by an oblique issue. The 23-year-old has been heating up at the plate of late and will now have a chance to make his MLB debut next week against the Dodgers. He is the favorite to get the vast majority of playing time at third base this season in Chicago.

The Cubs indicated Sunday that Gage Workman and Vidal Bruján had made the roster for the Japan series, but they weren’t willing to say the same for Shaw. If it was still up in the air as of this morning, Shaw’s nice game could have made the difference. He’s now 4-for-14 with three RBI since returning from an oblique strain that sidelined him at the beginning of the spring. The Cubs leave Tuesday, so we’ll know then whether Shaw will be on the travel roster. Even if he’s not, he still could be at third base on domestic Opening Day.

Shaw made his long-awaited spring debut earlier this week after missing time at the outset of camp with a left oblique strain. The 23-year-old top prospect, who was the 12th-ranked prospect (74th overall) in Rotoworld’s latest dynasty rankings update, has the inside track to opening the season as Chicago’s starting third baseman. He projects as an immediate five-category fantasy contributor with 20-homer, 30-steal upside.

Shaw resumed hitting last week as he continues to recover from a left oblique strain that put him on the shelf at the outset of spring training. The 23-year-old top prospect is expected to make his Cactus League debut on Sunday against the Diamondbacks, which should give him plenty of time to be ready for Opening Day.

Counsell went as far as to say that the 23-year-old infielder was “doing great.” It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see him hitting on the field before the weekend is through. While fantasy managers were right to worry after he sustained a minor oblique injury earlier in the week, it doesn’t sound like it’s going to impact his chances of opening the season as the Cubs’ starting third baseman. Shaw has the potential to be an impact fantasy player.

Shaw told reporters Saturday that he first felt the issue with his left oblique earlier this week on Monday. He won’t be swinging at full strength this weekend, but if all goes as hoped, he could resume doing that early next week. It’s an encouraging update, but fantasy managers should continue to monitor the developing situation closely.

It’s not supposed to be a major problem, but we’ll see. With Alex Bregman no longer an option, Shaw is the clear favorite to serve as the Cubs’ third baseman. Alternatives include Jon Berti, Nicky Lopez, Vidal Bruján and Rule 5 pick Gage Workman.

Rosenthal and Mooney add that the Cubs remain active in the ongoing Bregman sweepstakes and will pivot to Turner if he winds up signing with another team. The 40-year-old elder statesman makes a ton of sense for a contender in a limited role and would provide Chicago with a decent platoon partner for left-handed first baseman Michael Busch. With top prospect Matt Shaw seemingly ticketed for third base, it’s a bit surprising to see the Cubs still in the mix for Bregman.