Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw may be running out of time for 2026 return

The Chicago Cubs had big plans for Matt Shaw—even after their initial big plans for him were put aside this offseason.

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Signing three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract over the winter pushed Shaw to a super-sub utility role, but it didn’t scrub the 2023 no.1 draft pick from the team’s long-term plans.

Despite two stints on the IL this season, the 24-year-old had spent time at second base, third base, first base, and at all three outfield positions—and he performed solidly everywhere, while also solidifying his offensive game.

Shaw offers injury update

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This latest time on the shelf, however, has been especially concerning. The wrist injury that seemed relatively minor at the time it was first announced, has turned into an ongoing issue that has kept the young talent from properly swinging a bat since late June.

Shaw recently talked to the Chicago Sun-Times and offered up a bit of optimism when it comes to his recovery.

“We’ve gotten to the point where I can swing almost full effort with no pain, or a little pain,” Shaw said. “If I can get to the point where I can swing and miss or take a funky swing, things like that, with no pain, if I can do that — or at least like a 1 or 2, low-level pain — that’s definitely the marker to be like, ‘OK, ready to go.’”

Reality check

But we ARE approaching mid-August and, as Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation has written, time is running out for his healthy return:

“If he’s not even able to swing a bat at full speed yet, we are still a loooooong way away from getting him back in the starting lineup. He’ll have to prove he can (1) swing at full speed, (2) get in the cages to actually make contact and test how that feels, (3) take live BP, (4) go out on a rehab assignment, (5) get his timing back, (6) come back up to the big leagues and re-establish himself against the best talent on Earth, when he’d barely established himself in the first place.”

As of their latest August 7 update, MLB.com has Shaw’s comeback slated as “weeks away.” At this point, there aren’t many weeks left in the season.

In the meantime, Shaw is looking in on the current team in awe, seemingly chomping at the bit to get back and be a part of it.

“You look at this team, and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is a really good team,’” Shaw said.

“I’m pumped to get back out there and be helping any way I can. It’s been a great experience this year being around the boys. It’s obviously stunk a little bit being hurt, but it is what it is and we’ll be back and we’ll be rolling.”

The question right now is whether Shaw will be “rolling” this season or have to target 2027 for his actual return.

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