Third Base Trade Targets For Cubs To Replace Matt Shaw (For Now)

[Brian Kelder]

Image courtesy of © Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Matt Shaw is struggling and losing playing time to players like Jon Berti and Vidal Bruján. His 61 WRC+, lowest exit velocity in baseball, and troubling batted ball metrics are major contributors as to why Cubs third basemen are ranked 29th in MLB in WAR. This is a black hole in an otherwise deep and impressive lineup, and were it not for his impressive defense at the hot corner, there would be arguments that his rookie season profiles as the team's biggest disappointment in 2025.

Assuming the front office isn't comfortable strolling into the playoffs with him at the hot corner, there are players available who can fill a short-term need at third base. These three players can do a fine job filling in while Shaw continues developing away from the spotlight of the postseason race.

1. Eugenio Suarez, Arizona Diamondbacks 

The only reason Suarez is possibly available is due to his pending free agency after this season. He’ll finish with 40+ home runs this year to go with his .911 OPS and 147 wRC+ before hitting the open market. He will have other suitors (the Yankees, Brewers, and Mariners are all in need of his player archetype) and the price will be steep.

Cub fans can remember the early season series, where Suarez destroyed five home runs in seven games against the team. He is a noted Cub foe; in 132 career games against them, he’s hit .266 with 36 HR and 94 RBIs. He would be an exciting addition, one that signals an intention to contend in October this year.

2. Willi Castro, Minnesota Twins

Another expiring contract, and given the fluid nature of the Twins ownership and unwillingness to add salary, Castro should be available. He would almost assuredly not cost a top 100 prospect, and he'd would add depth to the lineup and bench.

In his career, Castro has played every position but first base or right field. The defense is more passable than difference-making, but Cubs fans know as well as anyone how valuable those guys can be (read: Ben Zobrist). Castro would be more of a part-time third baseman with ability to fill in around the diamond. You know, like Jon Berti was supposed to be.

He’s cromulent. His .793 OPS is solid this season, and the metrics support his performance. The low price point and versatility move my needle toward his direction.

3. Luis Urias, Oakland A’s

Urias has not lived up to the lofty minor league stats he reached as a farmhand in Milwaukee, but he is a dependable player.  A consistent, almost-league-average bat is what we would be able to expect. His current .237 average and .678 OPS are right at his career levels. He would not be an upgrade defensively over Shaw (none of these three would) and the same could be said about his offense, but he's a very versatile player who could help relieve Shaw of everyday dutuies.

Urias has played other positions around the infield and his flexibility would help, similar to Castro. Another benefit would be his great plate approach. He has an elite strikeout rate and whiff rate; clearly he has great bat control. His power numbers are the casualty of it, however, the Cubs have had success with players with similar profiles.

Of course, the Cubs could just roll with Matt Shaw. It doesn’t take long to peruse the annals of Cub history to see a prospect struggle for an extended period and see results click. Whatever the team does at the trade deadline, moves need to be made with the goal of retaining their slim lead in the NL Central.

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[Victor Reichman]

Totally ignorant to get a replacement for Matt Shaw when he plays gold glove caliber defense. Shaw is now hitting the ball hard. We have enough offense to handle 1 below average hitter. Shaw also has good speed. To get Suarez for 60 days and pay a heavy price is ridiculous.

Hoyer went all in on a 1 yr. rental for Tucker, even paying NYY $5 mil. of Bellinger's contract. Is there a difference? Yes, but slight. At the end of the year, their stats won't be that far apart. And Belli is more versatile and plays IB and all OF positions. We gave up Paredes, an All Star this yr. and top Rookie, Cam Smith + Hayden who is now injured. Was it worth it? Heck no.  Not for a 1 yr rental represented by Borass who bleeds teams for long term funny money deals. We should not agree to anything more than a 3 yr. extension and that won't be accepted.

We need improvement on our bench. Turner is a great clubhouse guy and should be a coach. Berti and Brujan are not good at all. Hoyer, don't make another mistake. Stick with Shaw.