Matt Shaw Launches Four Homers In Big Week
Matt Shaw with the 13th pick in the first round of last summer's draft. The talented infielder has an advanced approach and high baseball IQ at the plate, showcasing a rare blend of both aggressiveness and discipline. He produces hard contact, hits to all parts of the field, and has even exceeded power expectations so far this year. He also draws walks at a decent clip and has kept his strikeout rate in a reasonable range. Defensively, he has a reliable glove, so while not super rangy, he should stick at second or third base long-term. Shaw put on a show last week, hitting 9-for-21 with four homers, nine RBI, five walks, and five strikeouts. He also stole a base. His best performance during that stretch came on Sunday as he slugged two homers in one game. The 22-year-old has played pro baseball for less than one year, but he's already pushing for a promotion to Triple-A.
Source: FanGraphs
The Chicago Cubs selected second baseman Source: FanGraphs
Matt Shaw Returning to Chicago
Matt Shaw is set to rejoin the MLB roster prior to their contest against the Miami Marlins on Monday evening. Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted that the Cubs may look for a trade partner for infielder Nicky Lopez, as he is not traveling with the team to Miami. Shaw was able to make the Opening Day roster but was shortly optioned back to Triple-A after he posted a modest .172/.294/.241 slash line with just one long ball across his first 18 games. However, since returning to Triple-A Iowa, Shaw has been very productive. Through 24 games, the Maryland product has posted a stellar .284/.409/.560 slash line with five doubles, six home runs, five stolen bases, and an 11:17 K:BB. Fantasy managers should expect him to have an everyday role at the hot corner with Jon Berti serving as the No. 2 option. Given his five-category upside, he should be started in all 12+ team formats.
Source: Jon Heyman
Chicago Cubs infield prospect Source: Jon Heyman
Matt Shaw Goes Deep Twice on Friday
Matt Shaw went 3-for-5 with two home runs during their contest against Triple-A St. Paul on Friday evening. This was Shaw's second time hitting at least two home runs over his last three contests. Over his last eight contests, the former 13th overall pick has been swinging a hot bat, posting a strong .400/.486/.1.033 slash line with two doubles, one triple, and five home runs. During this stretch, Shaw has swiped three bags and held a 3:4 K:BB. The Maryland product was able to crack the Opening Day roster but was eventually optioned to Triple-A following his slow start. However, fantasy managers should expect Shaw to be in the mix to return to Chicago quite early in the season, given his strong play. Shaw carries five-category upside and is worth stashing in all standard formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Chicago Cubs infield prospect Source: MiLB.com
Matt Shaw Busy On Friday
Matt Shaw went 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, an RBI, and a stolen base during Friday's contest. The 23-year-old was able to crack the Opening Day roster but was optioned back to Triple-A after his slow start. During his first 18 games in the majors, Shaw held a modest .172/.294/.241 slash line with just one double and a long ball. However, since his return to Triple-A Iowa, Shaw has posted a strong .262/.392/.415 slash line with five doubles, one triple, one long ball, and three stolen bases. Last summer at Triple-A, the Maryland product posted a stellar .298/.395/.534 slash line with eight doubles and seven long balls. Given his recent stretch at Triple-A, fantasy managers should expect the top prospect to return to the big leagues in the coming weeks.
Source: MiLB.com
Chicago Cubs third base prospect Source: MiLB.com
Matt Shaw Expected To Return To Majors Later This Season
Matt Shaw to the majors to operate as their No. 1 third baseman later this season. The top prospect in Chicago was able to break camp with the major league roster but was optioned after his first 18 games. During his first taste of the majors, the Maryland product held a .172/.294/.241 slash line with one double and a home run. However, since returning to Triple-A Iowa, Shaw has begun to flip the script and is showcasing his elite upside. Through 10 games at the top level of the minor leagues, Shaw has posted a strong .324/.457/.486 line. Throughout the season, the Cubs have had a revolving door at the hot corner. Currently, Jon Berti has emerged as the top option but he hold a career .261/.339/.365 line at the majors. Fantasy managers in deeper 15-team formats should continue to stash Shaw as he continues to work out his struggles at Triple-A.
Source: Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma
The Chicago Cubs are expected to recall third base prospect Source: Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma
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