Jed Hoyer’s Comments on Matt Shaw’s Struggles Speak Volumes: Cubs’ Future at Third Base in Question.vc
In his end-of-season and recent media comments, Cubs President Jed Hoyer’s “vote of confidence” in rookie Matt Shaw—and his specific praise—speaks volumes about the team’s 2026 plans, leaving the future of the third base position in question.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are facing a “defining” offseason, and the “most glaring” question mark is at third base. The position was manned in 2025 by top prospect Matt Shaw, who endured a roller-coaster rookie season.
While fans and analysts debate whether the Cubs must pursue an external, veteran upgrade, recent comments from President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer “speak volumes” about the team’s internal thinking.
Hoyer’s public backing of Shaw, despite his clear offensive struggles, is a strong signal that the front office may be “dangerously” willing to gamble on Shaw as the full-time answer, a decision that could “make or break” their 2026 contending hopes.
The “Struggles” Hoyer is Acknowledging
Hoyer hasn’t hidden from Shaw’s inconsistencies. After being fast-tracked to the majors, the 24-year-old had a brutal start, hitting just .172 in his first 18 games before a demotion.
He finished his 126-game rookie campaign with a “pedestrian” .226 average and a .689 OPS. He followed that with a “disappointing” 2-for-17 performance in the playoffs.
These are not the numbers of an anchor on a championship-contending team. Yet, Hoyer’s public assessment has been “notably positive,” focusing on the silver linings rather than the red flags.
“He struggled at different times offensively,” Hoyer said in his end-of-season press conference. “But I thought he had a long stretch in the middle of the year where he showed what he can be.”
What “Speaks Volumes”
What “speaks volumes” is what Hoyer is choosing to praise. Instead of dwelling on the .226 average, Hoyer has been “effusive” about Shaw’s defense, which was a “pleasant surprise.”
“I thought defensively he was exceptional,” Hoyer stated. “I think if he plays a full season, he’s probably a Gold Glove finalist. It was fun to watch his improvement as the year went on.”
This is the “tell.” By highlighting Shaw’s “Gold Glove-caliber” defense, Hoyer is building a “public case” for his all-around value, “independent of his bat.” He is signaling that the organization believes the offense will come, and that his defensive contributions are “already elite.”
This “faith” is a massive gamble. The Cubs, who are losing the Silver Slugger bat of Kyle Tucker in free agency, “cannot afford” to carry a light-hitting third baseman, regardless of his defensive prowess.
Hoyer’s comments, while intended to “build up his young player,” are being interpreted by the baseball world as a “clear sign” that the Cubs are not planning to be “aggressive” in the third-base market. By publicly “committing” to Shaw’s development, Hoyer is betting on a “significant” offensive leap—a bet that, if it fails, will leave a “gaping hole” in the 2026 lineup and put the Cubs’ “future at third base” in serious jeopardy.
