••• 2026 Official Chicago Cubs Thread •••

Really refreshing to see them focusing on contact the last few games. The biggest knock on them the last few years is getting slug happy and striking out or lifting the ball for routine pop flies. Amazing what happens when you make the defense make a play.
 
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Shaw is heating up. I’m starting to wonder if he might be a sell high candidate.
It's possible unless they think he could fill a Zobrist role. He's definately blocked at 3B and 2B for awhile so maybe they think he could play OF next year too?
 
It's possible unless they think he could fill a Zobrist role. He's definately blocked at 3B and 2B for awhile so maybe they think he could play OF next year too?
We have some really good prospects that are nearing mlb ready. Alcantara for example has been killing it and he can play center .
 
It's possible unless they think he could fill a Zobrist role. He's definately blocked at 3B and 2B for awhile so maybe they think he could play OF next year too?
Shaw has already started at 3B, RF, 1B, and DH this year. He is listed as the primary backup for 2B, 3B, and CF, as well as the 3rd string for SS, LF, and RF. He could legitimately see time at all 7 spots in the field. If he finds success as a super-utility guy, that absolutely increases his value with the Cubs or as a piece to send elsewhere.
 
Shaw is heating up. I’m starting to wonder if he might be a sell high candidate.

Shaw is similar to a young Nico , but with more power. With Happ and Suzuki both free agents after this season, Shaw could replace one of those guys in 2027. And his salary impact on team payroll is pretty minimal.

IMO, within a couple years Shaw will be a .280 hitter and consistently slugging 55 extra base hits each season.
 
The injuries have delayed his timeline by at least a year. Hard to count on anything from a guy that hasn't taken a single professional at bat yet.
Still think he’s the future. Conforto has been great. If he can have a Lesser version on Bellinger’s revival this year. He and Alcantara could make a great platoon in 27. Great thing about the Jaguar is he’s a righty that plays all three positions well.
 
If you can call it the bright side we can offer a free agent still out there two years without it screwing anything up. Or maybe give Boyd a QO which at minimum gets us a draft pick.
 
If you can call it the bright side we can offer a free agent still out there two years without it screwing anything up. Or maybe give Boyd a QO which at minimum gets us a draft pick.
Giolito probably is a safe enough gamble to go 2 years on or if he prefers some kind of option for 2027 if he's wanting to be on himself and try for a longer deal if he has another good season.
 
I vote we just sign Skubal after this year!

Jokes aside, there's a bunch of good stop gap starters we could be interested in after this year. Getting through this season is another can of worms however...