Bleacher Bums Forum

….As far as his getting to the majors next year as the Cubs third baseman, I would think that if the Cubs were seriously thinking about that, they would have had him play a lot more at third base already this year.  Of course, things could change……

Offensively, Cubs challenged Shaw a bunch by moving him to AA quite early. To add to all that—at same time—by having him play a lot more at a new defensive position? No, that’s way too much of an ask with a player just drafted this summer.

So, don’t think Shaw playing at familiar middle infield positions in 2023 is indicative of much of anything for 2024. There will be an off-season. There will be spring training. If Shaw is ready offensively for majors in 2024, IF, then seems likely it won’t be taking the place of a current 5 WAR MIFer. More likely at 3B, seems to me, and would think he will be working a lot there in preparation for 2024.