Cubs Top Pick Red-Hot at South Bend

The Chicago Cubs knew their first-round pick, Maryland infielder Matt Shaw, was good. But even they have to be taken aback by his start with High Class-A South Bend.

After Shaw batted .500 in three games with the Arizona Complex League Cubs, they sent him immediately to South Bend. His numbers in just 20 games can be seen as nothing more than a carryover of the small sample in the ACL.

Shaw has slashed .393/.427/.655/1.082 with four doubles, three triples, four home runs and 18 RBI. He’s drawn 18 walks, struck out 12 times and stolen seven bases.

Throw in the numbers at the ACL and Shaw is a .402 hitter in 23 games.

The Cubs signed the 22-year-old after the draft and his reputation was that of a polished, well-rounded college players that was selective at the plate and drew more walks than strikeouts. He also set career highs in home runs and stolen bases in his final season with Maryland.

Shaw has already made inroads in national Top 100 lists. Baseball America listed Shaw as the No. 95 overall prospect shortly after his selection. MLB.com ranks Shaw as the Cubs’ No. 6 overall prospect, just outside of the site’s overall Top 100.