Struggling Cubs Prospect Sent Back to Minor Leagues

According to The Athletic’s Keith Law, the Chicago Cubs have optioned top prospect Matt Shaw to Triple-A. The 23-year-old infielder made the Opening Day roster even after missing the first few weeks of spring training because of an oblique issue. Unfortunately, he’s looked bad to begin his MLB career.

Shaw, who has started 16 games at third base so far in 2025, has been overmatched through the first three weeks of the season, slashing .172/.294/.241, in 68 plate appearances. The right-handed hitter hasn’t made much hard contact and while Shaw has shown some good discipline at the dish, drawing 10 walks, he’s uncharacteristically stuck out 18 times already.

The Cubs may now turn to veteran utility man Jon Berti to fill in at third base until Shaw returns. There’s also Gage Workman, although he hasn’t fared well in his limited at-bats against MLB pitching. The team has not made Shaw’s option to Triple-A official as of yet, but it appears as though Vidal Bruján may be replacing him on the active roster.

Bruján recently began a rehab stint with the Iowa Cubs. He’s recovering from a banged up elbow, an injury he suffered during the final few games in spring training.

I don’t have any information on Brujan outside of he’s not in Iowa’s lineup tonight. https://t.co/QBuW1I2szV

— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) April 15, 2025

We’ll have more once the roster moves are made official by the Cubs.

Here we go.

The Cubs are calling up Vidal Brujan. pic.twitter.com/uKjGH5ZcAY

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) April 15, 2025