*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***

[isucy86]

What Does That Mean for Matt Shaw?​

........And in the 107 PAs since being recalled, he’s hit just .250/.299/.360 (87 wRC+).

And he’s doing so with some really troubling peripherals, including the literal lowest average exit velocity (82.4 MPH) and fifth-lowest hard-hit rate (23.1%) in MLB.

He’s the clear weak spot in the Cubs’ otherwise stout offense.

Shaw is currently in a slump. But hitting .250 in the game today is above average. Giving up on a rookie in under 250 PA is lunacy. Just look at PCA's bat in 2024.

And connecting his potential to Devers availability is silly. As I doubt Cubs look at Devers at 3B any more that Red Sox or Giants do. My guess if Cubs pitched for Devers, Busch would have been trade piece.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[VeloClone]

Too early to tell on Shaw. Last season PCA really struggled with his hitting too and people here were concerned he may be a glove only player but he's now a MVP candidate this season after figuring out MLB pitching. For the stretch run though if there is a rental 3B available at the deadline that would be an upgrade I would not be against pulling the trigger as long as it doesn't cost significant prospect capital. The front office should be all-in at this point to compete this year, especially with Hoyer on the last year of his contract so if they can make the team better at 3B you make the trade and either send Shaw to Iowa to continue to develop or have him be the utility infielder off the bench and he can play more than just 3B too.

Great example, I just wish it was a better example right now. The more PCA struggles the more he chases. I wish someone would tell him to go the other way. If you are raking don't worry about chasing a bit - be comfortable. But if you a scuffling at the plate tighten it up a bit and just try to make solid contact. I think in a game the other day he started off the day going through two or more at bats without failing to offer at every pitch, some of which were not really even competitive pitches. I love the guy but he seems to be panicking out of frustration at the plate a bit. Everybody has slumps. Chasing everything isn't the way to get out of it.

 

[cyfanatic13]

Gore from the Nationals is the pitcher I want.

There’s zero chance the Nats trade him

 

[BigJCy]

 

[cyfanatic13]

View attachment 151614

Dansby’s hitting worse against LHP than RHP this season so moving him up doesn’t make a ton of sense. Hope he proves me wrong

 

[NazClone]

Ben Brown needs to go back down to Iowa.

 

[cyfanatic13]

Ben Brown needs to go back down to Iowa.

Was fantastic through the first 3.2. I think his stuff could play really well in a 1-2 inning situation. Offense needs to wake up against an average pitcher. Good start PCA

 

[cyfanatic13]

God dammit Happ

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

 

[Pharmacy99]

God dammit Happ

Brown should be the future closer. I really like Palencia but he is one pitch pitcher, Brown has 2 good pitches. I think he can throw 100 MPH as a relief pitcher.

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

Ben Brown needs to go back down to Iowa.

In all honesty he needs to be in the bullpen as a long reliever. I’m guessing that’s what happens when we trade for a starter after the all star break.

Owen Cassie is hitting well enough down here in Iowa that I imagine we get damn good return for him.

 

[Cyclone90]

What Does That Mean for Matt Shaw?​

I know nobody really wants to discuss it, but Matt Shaw has been an issue offensively all season. After breaking camp with the big league team, Shaw slashed .172/.294/.241 (66 wRC+) with the Cubs before being sent back to Iowa. And in the 107 PAs since being recalled, he’s hit just .250/.299/.360 (87 wRC+).

And he’s doing so with some really troubling peripherals, including the literal lowest average exit velocity (82.4 MPH) and fifth-lowest hard-hit rate (23.1%) in MLB.

He’s the clear weak spot in the Cubs’ otherwise stout offense.

Not sure you can go through the playoffs with your RH 3B having the lowest exit velo in baseball. Go up against good lefties, with Counsell continuing to bench Busch, and your IF power potential becomes anemic. You could let PCA develop in a lost season like last year, but the front office appears to be in the market to fill holes, and rightfully so. This isn't a developmental season.

 

[Clonefan32]

The regression is here

 

[HoustonClone]

Ben Brown's mental game leaves a lot to be desired. Almost (as in two outs three separate times) and then he gets shelled. The reverse of his prior outings, but the same result.

 

[HoustonClone]

God dammit Happ

This. I love Happ, but grounding into a double play is the LAST thing we needed there.

 

[NazClone]

4 runs with 2 outs. Worthless POS. Counsel has Ross disease. Leave the pitcher in until the game is almost out of hand.

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

Ben Brown's mental game leaves a lot to be desired. Almost (as in two outs three separate times) and then he gets shelled. The reverse of his prior outings, but the same result.

He has bullpen arm written all over him. I just don’t think he has it as someone who can go 6+ innings every start. I know he’s only 25, but good lord he’s looked so bad.

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

Brown should be the future closer. I really like Palencia but he is one pitch pitcher, Brown has 2 good pitches. I think he can throw 100 MPH as a relief pitcher.

I imagine Palencia works on getting a change up this next offseason. He will be deadly.

 

[NazClone]

Winning was fun while it lasted. Next time he starts I am not watching.