On May 19, 2025, Matt Shaw Cubs fantasy buzz reached a fever pitch as the Chicago Cubs’ top prospect, ranked No. 18 by MLB Pipeline, was recalled from Triple-A Iowa for their series against the Miami Marlins. After a blistering .286/.409/.560 slash line with six home runs in 24 Triple-A games, Matt Shaw Cubs fantasy stock is soaring.
This article dives into Matt Shaw Cubs fantasy value, recaps his minor-league resurgence, and analyzes his MLB potential, offering fantasy managers a must-read update.
Background: Shaw’s Rollercoaster 2025
Matt Shaw Cubs fantasy intrigue began when the 2023 first-round pick (No. 13 overall) earned the Cubs’ Opening Day third base job. His MLB debut in Tokyo against the Dodgers on March 18 showcased his potential, but a .172/.294/.241 slash line with 18 strikeouts in 18 games led to an April 15 demotion to Iowa, per MLB.com. Shaw’s early struggles stemmed from timing issues and an overzealous approach against high-velocity pitches, per The Athletic.
The Matt Shaw Cubs’ fantasy attractiveness has increased when he returned to Triple-A. According to Yardbarker, he hit four home runs in two games, including a leadoff and walk-off hammer versus St. Paul on May 15, for a two-week OPS of.907 overall.
According to MLB.com, Shaw has improved plate discipline in 23 games with a.302 average, 15 walks, and 10 strikeouts. According to the Chicago Tribune, Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged that Shaw’s recall is “under consideration” for Miami, which increased Matt Shaw’s fantasy appeal.
Triple-A Performance: A Fantasy Goldmine
Shaw’s Triple-A stint has transformed his Matt Shaw Cubs fantasy outlook. His .344/.440/.641 line over his last 17 games, with four homers and five stolen bases, showcases his power-speed combo, per Yahoo Sports. His 15.4% walk rate and 10.6% strikeout rate in Iowa signal elite contact skills, per @ChiefCub. Shaw’s adjustments—reducing his leg kick and refining his stance—have restored the aggressiveness seen in his .301/.387/.521 minor-league career, per The Athletic.
Shaw’s return is timely given the Cubs’ third-base woes, which include Jon Berti’s .222/.282/.250 records, according to Yahoo Sports. According to FantasyPros, Matt Shaw’s five-for-five stolen base performance in Triple-A adds a dimension that was missing from his MLB career, increasing his fantasy value in shallow teams. According to @ChiefCub, Shaw’s 162 wRC+ and.593 slugging in Iowa indicate he’s prepared to take on MLB pitching.
Fantasy Outlook and Tactical Insights
For Matt Shaw Cubs fantasy managers, his recall is a game-changer. His minor-league profile—31 steals in 121 games last season—projects 10-15 steals over a full MLB season, per Yahoo Sports. His power, evidenced by six homers in 24 Iowa games, could translate to 15-20 homers annually, per SI.com. Shaw’s .423 OBP in Triple-A positions him as a leadoff or No. 2 hitter, boosting runs scored, per the Chicago Sun-Times.
But there are still dangers. Shaw will likely have growing pains, according to @JesseRogersESPN, given his.172 MLB average and 2% exit velocity percentile. According to Newsweek, the Cubs are cautious about Shaw’s readiness given their investigation of trade targets like Ryan McMahon. According to FantasyPros, fantasy managers should take advantage of his multi-category upside and moderate expectations for batting average, particularly in NL Central opponents.
Why Shaw’s Return Matters
Matt Shaw Cubs fantasy excitement stems from his potential to stabilize Chicago’s third-base void, a weak spot since Kris Bryant’s departure, per the Chicago Tribune. His recall aligns with the Cubs’ NL Central lead, making him a high-impact waiver add, per Yahoo Sports. For fantasy players, Shaw’s power, speed, and OBP offer immediate value, while his growth under Counsell signals long-term stardom, per The Athletic. As Shaw steps into Miami’s spotlight, Matt Shaw Cubs fantasy managers have a front-row seat to a prospect’s breakout.
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Fresh Khaber was founded by Abdul Basit, a passionate sports enthusiast with a deep interest in covering the latest developments in the sports world. Abdul is committed to delivering insightful, well-researched content that is accessible to fans, athletes, and readers globally. With a focus on accuracy and clarity, he leads Fresh Khaber in providing reliable news and updates to a dedicated audience.