Chicago Cubs 2025 Position Analysis: Shortstop

[Jason Ross]

The Cubs have a pretty clear-cut starter at the shortstop position in Dansby Swanson, as Swanson has established himself as one of the best at his position defensively over the last handful of years. What does the rest of the depth chart look like for the Cubs at short? And who might be the next man up in the event of an injury? 

Entering year three of Dansby Swanson's seven-year contract, the Cubs are in good hands at the position. Over his first two seasons with the Cubs, Swanson has been worth 8.2 fWAR, which is sixth in Major League Baseball, and has been the best defensive shortstop in terms of dWAR. This is especially noteworthy as other 2022 free agents such as Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Carlos Correa, who got larger and longer contracts, have been the 8th, 11th, and 18th most valuable at the position. The Cubs shortstop is not without some faults, as he posted a somewhat disappointing 99 wRC+ in 2024, but with the way Wrigley suppressed offense all season, some of this will likely be fixed all on its own. As we enter 2025, it wouldn't be shocking to see him take a little bit of a step back as he enters his age-31 season, but he's a steady option and, with proper health, will be a stalwart in the Cubs lineup and will flirt with another four-win season. 

Behind Swanson, though, the Cubs have a far less defined depth chart. Several players, including Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, Nicky Lopez, and Gage Workman, could see time at short. All can handle the position, but for many reasons, none are guaranteed to be the "next man up." 

Nico Hoerner, in a perfect world, would probably be the "backup" at the position., While the Cubs will have him penciled in as their starting second baseman when they come back stateside from Japan (Hoerner will not make the trip for the two-game Tokyo Series), his availability at the position is complicated by his return from injury. Fresh off a right flexor surgery, it's probably fair to wonder how his arm would hold up. I have little doubt he will be fine at second (which requires far less arm strength on a play-to-play basis), but how the Cubs feel about his recovery could make his ability to handle the left side of the infield a little less obvious. As the year progresses, his ability to be the backup there will likely grow as he gets healthier and stronger, but es. However, it is early, and I don't think Hoerner will be a definitive answer. 

Matt Shaw appears to be on track to make his MLB debut in Tokyo and could be an emergency option at short if needed. Shaw played the position extensively in Maryland and has logged 74 games since his draft day with the Cubs in their minor league system. While Shaw has played the position in the past, most agree he will not likely be good enough at the highest level. The former Terp has put in lots of work at third and might be able to moonlight a little bit at short, but I'm not sure he's a long-term fix in the event of a significant injury to Swanson. Never say never, though. 

Two players on the fringe of making the MLB roster but could provide cover are Rule-5 pick Gage Workman and former White Sox infielder Nicky Lopez. Workman has had a wonderful spring so far and is likely putting the Cubs in a difficult position with him as they will either have to carry him on the 26-man roster all season or return him to the Tigers. "Tater" can play high-level defense across the infield, and despite never playing above Double-A, he would give the Cubs cover across the board if they keep him.

Lopez, who was signed to a minor league contract last month to provide depth and coverage, could also make the initial roster, with Hoerner still rehabbing from his offseason surgery. While Lopez is not an exciting player at first look, he did manage a whopping five-win season with the Royals in 2021 and has a pretty darn good glove. It's possible that Lopez could claim a permanent bench spot and use his contact ability and defense to carve out a role as the backup shortstop. 

At the top of the shortstop depth chart sits Swanson, who is among the Cubs' most entrenched starters at any position. The Cubs are relatively well stocked at the position from a numbers game, even if the exact pecking order behind Swanson is a little challenging to determine. They will likely carry three or four players who could conceivably play shortstop through the season, giving the Cubs flexibility if they face a worst-case scenario. 

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What do you think of the Cubs depth chart at shortstop? Who would get the first chance even if Swanson got hurt? Let us know in the comments below!

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