![\""Jed](\"https:\/\/news2.watchtowatch.top\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CP168580294-768x432-1.jpg\")
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“He struggled at different times offensively, but I thought he had a long stretch in the middle of the year where he showed what he can be… Defensively, I thought he was exceptional. I think if he plays a full season, he\u2019s probably a Gold Glove finalist.”<\/p>\n <\/strong> The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a critical offseason, and one of the most talked-about topics surrounding the team is the future of their third baseman, Matt Shaw. While the Cubs have made it clear that pitching will be their top priority in 2025, the performance of Shaw at third base could ultimately determine whether they stick with him or pursue another option for the hot corner.<\/p>\n Heading into 2025, the Cubs\u2019 lineup is solid, with a strong outfield featuring Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki, alongside their top prospect, Owen Caissie, waiting in the wings. The infield is also in a good position, but third base is undeniably a question mark. Shaw, Chicago\u2019s No. 5 overall prospect in 2024, was the Cubs\u2019 primary third baseman last season, but his overall numbers left something to be desired.<\/p>\n In 2025, Shaw posted a .226 batting average, a .689 OPS, 13 home runs, and 17 stolen bases across 126 games. While his speed was a bright spot, his offensive production didn\u2019t match expectations. Adding to the uncertainty was his defensive performance, which was slightly below average according to Baseball Savant, though he was still a finalist for the 2025 NL Gold Glove Award at third base.<\/p>\n Despite the mixed results, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer remains optimistic about Shaw\u2019s potential. Speaking to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe on November 15, Hoyer expressed confidence in Shaw\u2019s growth over the course of the season.<\/p>\n \u201cHe struggled at different times offensively, but I thought he had a long stretch in the middle of the year where he showed what he can be,\u201d Hoyer said. \u201cDefensively, I thought he was exceptional. I think if he plays a full season, he\u2019s probably a Gold Glove finalist. It was fun to watch his improvement as the year went on.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoyer\u2019s comments are a clear indication that the Cubs are not rushing to replace Shaw just yet. While his offense didn\u2019t impress, the improvement he showed in the second half of the season, coupled with his defensive capabilities, seems to have earned him some leeway with the front office.<\/p>\n However, Shaw\u2019s future in Chicago may be far from secure. With the Cubs expected to be active in the offseason market, particularly in pitching, it\u2019s possible they could look to upgrade at third base if Shaw doesn\u2019t continue to show improvement. If he struggles again in 2026, Shaw could find himself on a short leash, as the Cubs may decide they need a more consistent option at the hot corner.<\/p>\n Despite the uncertainty, Hoyer\u2019s backing of Shaw means that the 24-year-old still has the opportunity to prove himself as the long-term answer at third base. If Shaw can build on the flashes of brilliance he showed in 2025, he could be a key piece of the Cubs\u2019 future as they aim to return to contention.<\/p>\n While the Cubs are looking to bolster their pitching staff this offseason, the future of Matt Shaw is a storyline to watch closely. The team has made it clear they\u2019re open to upgrading their lineup if the right opportunity arises, especially in the wake of losing Kyle Tucker to free agency. However, third base might not be an immediate priority unless Shaw\u2019s performance takes a step back in 2026.<\/p>\n For now, Shaw\u2019s improvement\u2014both offensively and defensively\u2014could be enough to give him another shot at securing the position. But if the Cubs decide to explore other options, they\u2019ll have to weigh the potential risk of moving away from a player they once viewed as a key prospect.<\/p>\n “We didn\u2019t play our best tonight, and it\u2019s frustrating. The injuries are piling up, but we can\u2019t let that be an excuse. We\u2019ve got to fight through it, especially when we have a chance to take control. We\u2019ll need to learn from this and be ready for the road trip.”<\/p>\n <\/em> \u2014 Jeremy Swayman<\/strong>, on the Bruins’ frustrating loss to the Hurricanes.<\/p>\n Boston Bruins<\/strong> fans were hoping for another strong performance on Monday night, but instead, their team fell flat in a <\/p>\n The Bruins<\/strong> entered the game already dealing with several key injuries. Elias Lindholm<\/strong> remains sidelined, and both <\/p>\n The turning point came in the <\/p>\n Despite having four power-play opportunities<\/strong>, the Bruins<\/strong> failed to capitalize. They registered just five shots<\/strong> during those man-advantage situations, and <\/p>\n The Bruins<\/strong> pushed hard in the <\/p>\n After the game, Jeremy Swayman<\/strong> voiced his frustration: \u201cWe didn\u2019t play our best tonight, and it\u2019s frustrating. The injuries are piling up, but we can\u2019t let that be an excuse. We\u2019ve got to fight through it, especially when we have a chance to take control. We\u2019ll need to learn from this and be ready for the road trip.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n The Bruins<\/strong> will now embark on a four-game road trip<\/strong>, starting with a matchup against the Anaheim Ducks<\/strong> on Wednesday night<\/strong> in Southern California. With their injury list growing, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" “He struggled at different times offensively, but I thought he had a long stretch in the middle of the year where he showed what he can be… Defensively, I thought he was…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14016,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hot-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u2014 Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations, Chicago Cubs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n