Cubs Third Base Turmoil! Situation Just Got More Complicated – What’s Next?
According to the Marquee Sports Network’s Bruce Levine, Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw will not be ready for Opening Day in Japan on March 18th.
During a radio hit on 670 The Score on Wednesday morning, Levine cast major doubt on Shaw’s availability for the Tokyo Series as the top prospect continues to rehab an oblique injury.
Oblique injuries in baseball are notoriously finicky and have a tendency to linger so it makes sense for the team to take it slow with Shaw. On Tuesday, manager Craig Counsell told the media that Shaw practiced fielding ground balls earlier in the week, and he was scheduled to hit in the batting cages.
It’s unfortunate, considering Shaw was in line to be the team’s starting third baseman in 2025, which is still likely going to be the case. It’s a matter of him getting healthy and being able to ramp up for the first series in the U.S. against the Diamondbacks on March 27th.
As for the Japan series, the Cubs will have to look elsewhere for a third baseman.
Who will start at third for the Cubs on Opening Day?
So far this spring, Gage Workman and Jon Berti have been getting started at third place, and they are the most likely candidates to play against the Dodgers in Tokyo. Counsell has all but confirmed that Berti will claim one of the team’s bench spots in 2025, and his combination of speed and position versatility will be very valuable for the Cubs. Berti has made 136 starts at third base since 2019.
As a Rule 5 draft selectee, Workman needs to stay on the Cubs active roster to remain with the team, and Shaw’s injury could be the opportunity he needs to stay in Chicago. But there are major questions on whether his bat is ready for the Major Leagues, and he needs to showcase his offensive production this Spring Training to secure that roster spot.
As for Workman’s defense, he is probably the best defender at the hot corner in the Cubs’ system right now. I don’t think his impressive glovework will be enough to make the roster, but it certainly helps.
