The Chicago Cubs have been on a bit of a hot streak to start the season, becoming the first team in the NL Central to hit double-digit wins in their first 20 games. They are proving that they’re a team to be reckoned with in this league, ranking in the top-5 in multiple statistical categories; including hits (1st), home runs (4th), RBIs (1st), and even OPS (4th).

They are poised to make a deep-run in 2025, but sadly…..it looks like their top-prospect won’t be a part of it for the foreseeable future.

𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮: Matt Shaw has been optioned to the Iowa Cubs, via Keith Law.

The team is calling up LHP Luke Little and RHP Daniel Palencia, via Tommy Birch. pic.twitter.com/7YnrhD1RJy

— CHGO Cubs (@CHGO_Cubs) April 15, 2025

Matt Shaw, for those of you who are unaware, is currently ranked as the top prospect in the Cubs’ organization (18th overall). He is the surviving member of a dynamic infield which included fellow INF Cam Smith, who was dealt to the Astros in the deal that brought Kyle Tucker up north. In his short resumé in the bigs, the 23-year old has put up a rather disappointing stat-line consisting of;

.172 BA, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, .535 OPS

It was a dismal, yet reasonable start to his big league career. A guy with so much promise making the opening day roster, only to drop back down to the minors 20 games into the season….that is not “out of the ordinary.” That is not something to be “upset” about. Sure, he is supposed to be a major piece of this team’s future. But things can change in a HURRY, when you make that jump to the next level.

The kid is going to have his hiccups. The kid is going to have his miscues. It’s just how the game is played. But if you need more statistics on how much of a “rookie” he truly is…..just look at the advance stats from Baseball Savant.

When you look at the advanced data for Matt Shaw it’s not shocking that they optioned him.

Hopefully he goes down and regains that swing that led him to a .284 Avg. 21 HR, 71 RBI’s between Double-A and Triple-A last year. #BeHereForIt #Cubs pic.twitter.com/bovVpnF0cq

— Paul McCoy (@pmccoy190) April 15, 2025

I mean, just LOOK at all of that blue. In his 18 games under Craig Counsell, Matt Shaw has been striking out at a rather high rate. His bat speed has lessened a bit. He’s not making great contact with the ball, and when he is it’s not being launched very hard. If anything…..the guy was just trying to survive. He was just trying to work his way through the treacherous waters of his first year called up, by showing that he has TREMENDOUS speed and is patient at the plate.

He was not ready, and now he’s heading back down to Iowa to figure some stuff out. With his swing being a bit off, and his efficiency not being the same as last year, he would be doing nothing for himself staying in the Majors. But once he settles down, and gets some things under control…..he’ll be back. This kid has a bright future, he just needs to go through the motions. If that makes sense?

Hoping for nothing but the best for the kid! But in the end, as always….what do I know? I’m just a guy from the Midwest, with a beer and a laptop, trying to make sense of this world.