Matt Shaw: Time for a Taste of Double-A

Following an incredible week of baseball, Chicago Cubs 2023 first-round pick Matt Shaw was named Minor League Player of the Week by Marquee Sports Network. He recorded an incredible .435 average, .870 slugging percentage, 1.304 OPS, and 10 hits. That's just scratching the surface, especially when you look at the full body of work. 

In nine games at High-A South Bend, Shaw is slashing .378/.410/.703 with 7 runs scored, 2 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, 8 RBI, a stolen bag, and just 6 strikeouts. Shaw has been an elite offensive weapon since arriving in South Bend. 

Now, the next step is getting Shaw to Double-A Tennessee. If Shaw continues his torrid pace against High-A pitching this week as the Cubs venture to West Michigan, then he needs to be promoted for the stretch run. The South Bend Cubs' season ends on September 10, while Double-A Tennessee's season ends on September 17. The extra week of baseball, plus the clear sign that he's too good for High-A, are enough of a reason to give Shaw the promotion. 

Although an easy measure would be to let Shaw play at High-A all the way until the end and then give him six games or so at Double-A to conclude the season, why wait? Shaw is showing that he can mash at the High-A level and getting an extended look at Double-A might help the Cubs better estimate a potential MLB arrival. 30 games at Double-A to end the season will let Shaw know what he needs to work on in preparation for beginning the 2024 campaign at the Double-A level once again. 

In addition, if Shaw struggles, then the adversity can inform the Cubs and allow for the possibility of starting next season at High-A once again with intentions of a quick promotion. 

In the end, why waste time at High-A? Shaw is an elite college bat, as indicated by his Big Ten Player of the Year honors, and can be accelerated through the minors a little faster than others. There is no better time than the present to get Shaw to Double-A and let him join the Smokies for a possible championship run.