MLB Rumors: Chicago Cubs Expected To Trade Infielder
With Bregman locked in as the everyday guy at the hot corner, Chicago’s infield math gets tight fast, and rival clubs see an obvious opportunity to pry loose a former premium pick with real upside.
Matt Shaw trade buzz is real after the Bregman signing
Shaw was the Cubs’ 13th overall pick in 2023 out of Maryland, and he arrived with the kind of bat-first reputation that usually buys a long runway.
His rookie year was uneven, but not empty: Shaw hit .226 with 13 home runs, 44 RBIs and 17 steals, and the second-half trend line is what keeps scouts interested.
This is Matt Shaw's first/second half splits, which show a player who got better as the season progressed. It is a long year, with ups and downs. He objectively showed improvement. https://t.co/o96BPnWsKt pic.twitter.com/7YXJ8dU9tm
— Jeff Young (@BaseballJeff1) January 14, 2026
Shaw looked much more like himself after the All-Star break, posting a strong slash line and flashing the power that made him a fast riser in the first place.
Why the Cubs might cash in on Shaw now
Shaw is young, cheap, and controllable, which makes him more appealing to teams that need an everyday infielder than a veteran rental would be.
That same logic is why several evaluators have framed Shaw as the “most obvious” trade candidate in the Cubs’ infield squeeze, especially if Chicago wants to turn surplus into something more immediate like optionable pitching depth or outfield help.
"I was told that Nico Hoerner's staying put."@BNightengale believes Matt Shaw could be the odd man out in Chicago, though he doesn't think he'll be traded. pic.twitter.com/57Qfg2DTqO
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 14, 2026
The Cubs can also point to Shaw’s resume beyond his rookie line. He was dominant in the minors in 2024, slashing .284/.379/.488 with 21 homers and 31 steals across Double-A and Triple-A, and he earned Southern League MVP honors.
If another front office believes that version is the real Shaw, Chicago could be staring at the rare sell high window created by Bregman’s arrival.
Photo Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
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