Jed Hoyer Makes Bold Promise About Matt Shaw’s Future with the Cubs — “He’s Going to Be a Really Good Cub for a Long Time”
The Chicago Cubs are entering a winter of uncertainty — a crossroads between rebuilding and resurgence. But amid the quiet tension surrounding the team’s offseason direction, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer delivered a line that electrified the fanbase and lit a spark under the Wrigley faithful.
“Matt Shaw will be a great Cub for a very long time,” Hoyer declared.
It wasn’t just a statement — it was a promise. And in a franchise still searching for its next cornerstone star, those words felt like a rallying cry.
A Glimpse of the Future
Matt Shaw, the 23-year-old third baseman who burst onto the scene in 2025, has quickly become one of the most talked-about young players in the National League. His compact swing, defensive poise, and quiet confidence have drawn comparisons to early-career Kris Bryant, though Shaw’s gritty edge and leadership tendencies make him uniquely his own.
In his first full season, Shaw hit .281 with 19 home runs, 71 RBIs, and an .803 OPS, anchoring the infield and delivering clutch performances in high-pressure moments. His late-season surge — batting .345 over his final 30 games — not only solidified his role but also convinced the Cubs’ front office that they have found a long-term piece around which to build.
“He plays the game the right way,” Hoyer added. “He competes, he adjusts, and he brings that edge we want our players to have. Matt represents what we’re building here.”
The New Face of a Transitioning Franchise
For the Cubs, Shaw’s emergence comes at a pivotal time. Veterans like Cody Bellinger and Dansby Swanson face uncertain futures, and the team’s young core — led by Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cade Horton, and Michael Busch — is still taking shape. In many ways, Shaw has become the emblem of the Cubs’ next era: homegrown, hardworking, and hungry.
Fans have embraced him quickly, chanting his name after every big hit and flooding social media with clips of his signature diving plays at third. To many, he symbolizes not just promise, but stability — something Wrigley Field has long been craving.
More Than Just Words
Hoyer’s comments carry weight because they represent a rare moment of public confidence from a front office that has typically been cautious in its messaging. After years of carefully managed expectations and incremental progress, his tone about Shaw was different — bold, emotional, and definitive.
It reflects what insiders say is growing belief within the organization that Shaw could become a franchise centerpiece, both on the field and in the clubhouse. The Cubs are reportedly preparing to explore a long-term extension that would keep him in Chicago through the next decade — a move that would mirror the early investments made in young stars like Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ.
Building the Next Wrigley Core
While the Cubs’ 2025 campaign ended short of the postseason, the season’s silver lining was clear: a young nucleus ready to take the next step. Shaw’s steady glove and consistent bat provided the kind of everyday dependability that championship teams are built around.
“When you watch him work, you see a player who fits Wrigley,” said manager Craig Counsell. “He’s got that mix of toughness and calm — the kind of guy who’ll be here when we’re winning big games again.”
The Dawn of a New Era
As the Cubs prepare for what could be a transformative offseason, Hoyer’s words about Shaw resonate as both a declaration and a challenge. The front office must now back up that confidence by surrounding its young star with the right supporting cast — players who can turn potential into playoff runs.
Still, for a fanbase that’s weathered years of transition, Hoyer’s message lands with power. Matt Shaw represents more than just the future of the Cubs — he represents belief.
And belief, at Wrigley Field, has always been the first step toward magic.
