The Chicago Cubs have recently seen a spike in trade interest surrounding Matt Shaw, as revealed by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer during Alex Bregman’s introductory press conference. Although the Cubs are not actively seeking to trade either Shaw or Nico Hoerner, multiple teams have initiated inquiries in the past few days. Shaw previously factored into trade talks when the Cubs showed interest in Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore, underscoring his growing value as a trade asset.
The Cubs are under no immediate pressure to trade Shaw, who offers flexibility as a versatile utility player and can be optioned to Triple-A Iowa if needed. Unlike Hoerner, whose salary does not require shedding under current competitive-balance tax restrictions, Shaw’s move hinges more on obtaining the right return. The signing of Bregman has slightly increased the likelihood that one of these players could be moved, with Shaw being the preferred candidate for trade if suitable offers emerge.
Expectations for a Proper Return in a Potential Shaw Deal
Given that Shaw holds six years of team control and did not reach a full year of service time in 2025 due to an early demotion, the Cubs expect strong value in return. Sources from two front offices in discussion with Chicago reveal the team aims for pitching talent that aligns with their ambition for a deep postseason push in 2026. Along with an impactful pitcher, the Cubs would also seek a lower-level prospect to help rejuvenate their farm system, reflecting a balanced approach to both near-term competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
Boston Red Sox: Pitching Depth and Prospects in Focus
The Red Sox have bolstered their pitching staff with acquisitions such as Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo, and Ranger Suárez, forming a rotation filled with options like Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello. However, top prospects Payton Tolle and Connolly Early remain outside the active roster picture, making them intriguing assets for trade discussions.
While Brayan Bello is a valuable young arm under a team-friendly extension, the Cubs may hesitate to take on his contract. Kutter Crawford, though promising, has been sidelined by injury, and therefore less enticing without additional pieces. Offering Tolle or Early could provide a solid return for Shaw, filling Boston’s infield gap left by Bregman’s departure and supplying Chicago with a high-upside left-handed pitcher—though Boston highly values the depth these lefties bring.
Kansas City Royals: Multiple Controlled Pitching Options
The Royals figure prominently as potential trade partners, especially given their pitching resources. Kris Bubic was initially highlighted as a fit; however, his single year of control and durability concerns make other Royals pitchers more appealing. Noah Cameron, Luinder Avila, Ryan Bergert, and Stephen Kolek represent the core of Chicago’s interest with at least five years of team control and minor league options.
Bergert and Kolek, part of the July Freddy Fermin trade, are particularly noteworthy as the Cubs monitor their development closely. The Royals’ youth and roster flexibility present a mutually beneficial scenario in any Shaw negotiation, as Chicago looks to strengthen its pitching depth for the future.
Minnesota Twins: Prospects With Long-Term Value
The Twins boast several promising arms, including notable aces Pablo López and Joe Ryan, though neither is currently available. For a long-term investment, Minnesota’s rising pitchers Zebby Matthews, David Festa, Mick Abel, Taj Bradley, and Connor Prielipp fit the criteria of having extensive club control and minor league options.
Shaw could seamlessly step into Minnesota’s second base role with better offensive output, allowing defensive shifts such as moving Luke Keaschall to the outfield. Among these pitchers, only Bradley has less than five years of control, and Prielipp, primarily a reliever, offers high upside as a left-handed bullpen weapon. This pairing offers the Cubs a chance to secure young, cost-controlled pitchers while providing the Twins with an impactful infielder.
San Francisco Giants: A Challenging Trade Prospect
The Giants show clear interest in acquiring Matt Shaw or Nico Hoerner but lack appealing trade assets that meet the Cubs’ demands. San Francisco’s available back-end starters—Landen Roupp, Carson Whisenhunt, Hayden Birdsong, and Keaton Winn—carry potential but fall short of the level Chicago seeks to trade Shaw.
Buster Posey, Giants president of baseball operations, would need to consider an unconventional and potentially risky move to meet Chicago’s expectations. Given the disparity in valuations and asset quality, a trade involving Shaw and the Giants appears unlikely at this stage.
Tampa Bay Rays: High-Impact Pitchers at a Cost
The Rays have encountered depth issues following the trade of Brandon Lowe and the addition of Gavin Lux, who is expected to handle second base. Shaw’s defensive skills and offensive profile would address several lineup deficiencies for Tampa Bay, providing stability to a developing infield.
In exchange, the Rays would require a premier pitching talent such as Shane McClanahan, Edwin Uceta, or Griffin Jax. McClanahan, an ace-caliber lefty, has been hampered by injuries, while Uceta, a relief ace with four years of control, and Jax, a potential future starter, represent shorter-term but impactful options.
This trio marks the most substantial pitching offer available but comes with the trade-off of less durable team control than some other candidates. Still, the deal could bring a transformative player to Chicago’s roster if terms align.
Washington Nationals: Evolving Trade Dynamics with Matt Shaw
Initially hesitant to include Shaw in trade negotiations for MacKenzie Gore, the Cubs’ stance has evolved as Shaw’s value relative to Gore has shifted. Presently, the Nationals no longer demand both Shaw and Cade Horton for Gore, opening the door for a Shaw-centered agreement that could significantly boost Chicago’s projected standing in the NL Central by 2026.
However, such a trade would require the Cubs to replenish their infield depth, possibly necessitating the inclusion of an additional player. Any deal involving Shaw must balance enhancing the 2026 roster while preserving the team’s long-term value.
Trading Shaw could influence the Cubs’ plans to retain Hoerner beyond his current contract, particularly if the move helps manage salary commitments and adds controllable pitching talent. Although achieving this balance is complex, several teams remain eager to explore partnerships with Chicago to meet mutual rebuilding and competitive goals.
