Cubs Insider Isn't Convinced Matt Shaw Will Succeed in New Outfield Role

Shaw is confident he can transition to the outfield, but a Cubs analyst believes it's "biting off an awful lot" for the young player.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Cubs expect to be solid at third base this season with the addition of two-time World Series champion Alex Bregman. However, this move presents questions for last season's Cubs third baseman, Matt Shaw, who is expected to transition to an outfield role. Baseball analyst Bruce Levine isn't convinced Shaw will succeed in the new position, stating that it's "a lot to expect" for a player at his experience level to be "an accomplished player at multiple positions."

Why it matters

The Cubs' decision to move Shaw to the outfield is an attempt to find a solution for their fourth outfielder spot. If Shaw can successfully make the transition, he could become a valuable utility player for the team. However, the move represents a significant challenge, and Levine's doubts highlight the risks involved.

The details

Shaw is confident he can step into an outfield role, pointing out that he played a fair deal of outfield when he was younger and believes repetition will help him regain those skills. Levine, however, believes Shaw is "biting off an awful lot" by taking on this new position, especially since he's still trying to prove himself as a hitter in the major leagues. Shaw was drafted in the first round by the Cubs in 2023 and made his MLB debut last season, playing primarily at third base.

  • Shaw was drafted by the Cubs in the first round of the 2023 MLB Amateur Draft.
  • Shaw made his MLB debut with the Cubs last season, playing primarily at third base.

The players

Matt Shaw

A Cubs player who is expected to transition from third base to an outfield role this season.

Bruce Levine

A baseball analyst who is not convinced that Shaw will succeed in his new outfield role.

Alex Bregman

A two-time World Series champion who was recently added to the Cubs' roster, prompting the team's decision to move Shaw to the outfield.

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What they’re saying

“It's a lot to expect the guy to be [an] accomplished player at multiple positions, at his experience level.”

— Bruce Levine, Baseball Analyst (The Score Chicago)

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges facing young players like Matt Shaw as they attempt to transition to new positions in the major leagues. While the Cubs are hoping Shaw can fill their fourth outfielder spot, the doubts expressed by analyst Bruce Levine suggest that the move may be a significant risk for the team and the player.