(670 The Score) Looking toward the 2025 season, two questions for the Cubs as their offseason continues surround the roles of first baseman Michael Busch and highly regarded infield prospect Matt Shaw.
On Tuesday, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer gave an indication of what the club expects for each. While addressing the Cubs’ recent acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker, Hoyer made clear that Busch is a first baseman, and he also suggested the club will give Shaw plenty of runway to play third base and learn from his mistakes as a youngster.
Busch, 27, hit .248 with 21 homers, 65 RBIs and a .775 OPS in 152 games in 2024, his first season with the Cubs. He made 130 starts at first base and three at second base. He also made one appearance at third base.
The Dodgers had tried to develop Busch as a third baseman and second baseman in their system before trading him to the Cubs last January. While the Cubs have an opening at third base and second baseman Nico Hoerner has landed in trade rumors, Busch remains slotted in at first base.
“We really see Michael as a Gold Glove first baseman,” Hoyer said. “That’s our focus. Can he move around a little bit? Of course. His versatility is great, but he made real strides at first. I thought after the first month of the season, he was fantastic at first. And that’s certainly how we’re seeing him.”
The 23-year-old Shaw hit .284 with 21 homers, 71 RBIs and an .867 OPS in 121 games split between Double-A and Triple-A in 2024. He'll be given the opportunity to win the Cubs' starting third base job. Shaw has experience at second base and shortstop as well.
“He can play second well, he can play third well,” Hoyer said of Shaw's comfort defensively. “Right now, obviously, we’re going to give him a long look at third after we traded (Isaac) Paredes. Making room for young players is really important. He has to earn that job. I’m not going to gift him that job on a conference call in the middle of December, but certainly with what he’s done in the minor leagues since we’ve had him, he’s played really well.
“His arrow is really pointing up. I do think it’s important – just like we did last year with (Pete Crow-Armstrong) – you’ve got to give young players some runway and some ability to play.”