2025 Chicago Cubs Season Projections: Third Base |
Dustin Riese
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- 6 hours ago
Like many of the Cubs' positions when the core moved on, third base has been a revolving door. Kris Bryant was the anchor to the hot corner for over five seasons. In the years since Bryant left, the Cubs have tried multiple third base options, and although some of them have had moderate success for short periods of time, the Cubs need to find their man for the future at the Hot Corner.
The 2025 season will mark the third time in as many years that they will have a different starter at the hot corner on opening day. That isn't what you want to have for any franchise, as that is a classic indication that what you're trying simply isn't working. The Cubs thought they had the right mix in 2023 when they went with the Patrick Wisdom and Nick Madrigal combo, but those two players are complete opposites. Wisdom is known for the long ball and a very high swing-and-miss rate, while Madrigal is an offensive liability who proved he could play solid defense at third. Then came the 2024 season, where the Cubs opened the season with Christopher Morel at third before trading for Isaac Paredes later in the season. From an offensive side, Morel produced at the rate the Cubs were hoping he would, but he was an extreme liability in the field. Paredes was the exact opposite. He played strong defense but barely passed the Mendoza Line regarding his batting average. For this team to win the division and have the success they hope to have, that can't happen again, as they need to find a solution at third. That is why Matt Shaw's play remains the most critical piece on this roster, as he will be given the keys to the third base job this spring. Here is what to expect from the Cubs third base group in 2025:
There have been a lot of what you would call blue-chip prospects that have gone through the Cubs system over the past 10 years, and Matt Shaw is another one of those players. Although not at the same level as Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, or even Kyle Schwarber, he is still one of the top-20 prospects in all of baseball and is the best Cubs prospect to come through the system in nearly 10 years. Shaw was drafted in the first round out of the University of Maryland in 2023, and two years later, he is knocking on the MLB door as he has dominated the minors since turning pro. A second baseman by trade, Shaw has shown his versatility defensively the past two seasons and is now expected to be the man at the hot corner for the Cubs going forward. Prediction: 129 games, .264 average, 13 homers, 52 RBIs, 20 Steals: There is no question that Shaw has crushed minor league pitching the past two seasons, but he is still a rookie and will have his struggles. Despite that, look for him to be in the running for the Rookie of the Year when all is said and done. Shaw has the potential to be a very special player, and from all accounts, he knows how to adjust throughout the season. This is the final step in his development and could serve as a key building block for this team.Matt Shaw
Gage Workman
There are several intriguing names on the Cubs roster this season, and Gage Workman is another one of those names. Selected in the Rule 5 draft, Workman was once viewed as a top 20 Detroit Tigers prospect, but was never able to get consistent playing time in the MLB.
Now, with the Cubs, Workman is hoping for consistent playing time and will battle for one of the final bench spots. Knowing how the Rule 5 draft works, Workman is guaranteed a roster spot to open the season, but it will be up to him to stay on the roster.
Prediction: 71 games, .250 average, five homers, 28 RBIs, 13 steals.
Given that Shaw is a rookie look for Workman to see plenty of playing time in the early portion of the season. Once Shaw begins to settle in, his playing days could become numbered, but he will still be a nice bench option.
This roster had depth, but not the type they were looking for a season ago. If this offseason has taught us anything, it is that Jed Hoyer wanted depth and versatile guys who could play all over the diamond.
