There was a little bit of confusion (and concern) when Cubs top prospect Matt Shaw wasn’t in the Opening Day lineup for the Tennessee Smokies on Friday (still no reason given, from what I’ve seen). But that was all silenced quickly on Saturday, when Shaw homered in his first at-bat of the year!
Oppo! Nice.
That homer came as part of a really excellent first start for Shaw, in which he reached base two other times (via walk) and scored a couple of runs.
Depending on who you ask, Matt Shaw is either the Cubs second or third best prospect after Cade Horton and Pete Crow-Armstrong. And even though he was drafted in the middle of the first round just last season, he’s a threat for a quick promotion to Triple-A if he can continue the success he had last season. After that, with a moderate vacancy at third base in Chicago*, Shaw could be just a phone call away.
*Nick Madrigal and Christopher Morel both leave something to be desired as the Cubs “starting” third baseman, and each can contribute in other ways/at other positions if needed.
Absent a rash of injuries, I wouldn’t exactly count on seeing Matt Shaw this season. But it is at least possible, especially if he just keeps hitting as moves up the ladder.