Written By: Ryan Patota

Image Courtesy Allan Henry-Imagn Images

With the 2025 season underway after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs in both games of the Tokyo series, it is now time to see prospects show their true potential. 19th overall prospect Matt Shaw took the MLB field for the first time in Tokyo for the Cubs and in one week will return to the United States to begin the journey of a child’s dream.

Shaw was drafted 13th overall in 2023 out of the University of Maryland which was the only Power 5 school to give him an offer right out of high school. At Maryland, Shaw would make a name for himself, setting the program’s all-time home run record with 53 and was named Big Ten Conference Player of the Year in 2023. This would lead the team to their first-ever Big Ten Title.

Once drafted, Shaw transitioned well from college ball to professional baseball as he hit .357 including eight homers in 38 games which ended up being a promotion to Double-A Knoxville. He continued to rake in Knoxville last season, playing in 86 games and hitting with a .279 average, including 14 homers. 

This consistent performance earned a promotion to Triple-A Iowa in August. He performed even better in 35 games, closing the season with a .298 average while slashing seven homers. Throughout his minor league career, he showcased his offensive power, posting a career .303 batting average, .384 on-base percentage, and .522 slugging percentage. Shaw also hit 29 home runs and stole 46 bases over 159 games, continuing to impress not only with the bat, but also with the defensive prowess at the hot corner.

Shaw’s success in the minors came at a perfect time for the Cubs after the team traded away Issac Parades to the Houston Astros for Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster deal. The Cubs nearly made a deal with free agent 3B Alex Bregman, but Bregman went to Boston, leaving a hole at third base for the Cubs infield.

Coming into the Spring there was a lot of buzz surrounding Matt Shaw to see if he would make the Opening Day roster. An early hiccup in the road forced Shaw to miss a small amount of time due to a left oblique strain. He returned to action promptly and didn’t skip a beat as Shaw hit .313 with only one strikeout in 19 plate appearances.

Shaw’s rapid progression through the minors and skill set earned him the chance to make his MLB debut in Tokyo. During the broadcast of game one, the Cubs invited their president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, to talk about the 2025 season.

“How cool is it for him [Shaw] to make his debut in Tokyo,” said Hoyer in the fourth inning. “He wasn’t surprised to be called up for Opening Day which I thought was very good to see that he is ready for the big leagues.” 

Shaw continues to accumulate praise throughout the Cubs organization and earned his first MLB hit in the second game of the Tokyo series. As he embarks on his MLB career, Matt Shaw aims to solidify his role as a cornerstone of the Cubs’ infield and contribute significantly to the team’s success throughout the season.