Cubs Outfield Concerns Grow Amid Matt Shaw's Defensive Struggles

Chicago faces questions in right field with Seiya Suzuki's injury and Shaw's shaky play in the outfield this spring.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:52pm

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The Chicago Cubs are facing a potential outfield problem as they approach Opening Day. With Seiya Suzuki's status in question due to a knee injury sustained in the World Baseball Classic, the team was planning to turn to young utility player Matt Shaw to fill in at right field. However, Shaw has struggled defensively in the outfield this spring, committing three errors in just 33 innings. The Cubs must now weigh whether Shaw is ready to learn on the job or if they need to explore other options like top prospect Kevin Alcantara or veteran free agents.

Why it matters

The Cubs' success has often been built on strong defense, so Shaw's defensive struggles in right field could be a major concern. The team cannot afford to have a complete liability in the outfield, especially with Suzuki potentially missing time to start the season. How the Cubs navigate this situation could significantly impact their performance in the early part of the 2023 campaign.

The details

Matt Shaw was expected to fill in at right field with Seiya Suzuki's injury, but the 24-year-old has committed three errors in just 33 innings in the outfield this spring. The Cubs must decide if Shaw is ready to learn on the job or if they need to explore other options like top prospect Kevin Alcantara or veteran free agents like Chas McCormick, Dylan Carlson, or Michael Conforto.

  • Seiya Suzuki suffered a knee injury while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
  • Matt Shaw has committed three errors in 33 innings in the outfield this spring.

The players

Matt Shaw

A young utility player for the Chicago Cubs who is expected to fill in at right field with Seiya Suzuki's injury, but has struggled defensively in the outfield this spring.

Seiya Suzuki

The Cubs' starting right fielder who suffered a knee injury while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic and is expected to miss the start of the season.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs who must decide how to handle the team's outfield situation with Suzuki's injury and Shaw's defensive struggles.

Kevin Alcantara

A top prospect for the Chicago Cubs who could be an option to fill in at right field if the team decides Shaw is not ready.

Chas McCormick

A veteran outfielder who could be a free agent option for the Cubs to consider if they need to find a replacement for Suzuki in right field.

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What they’re saying

“We must weigh if it's worth allowing Shaw to take the role, all things considered.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs will need to decide in the coming days if Matt Shaw is ready to be the everyday right fielder or if they need to explore other options, either from within the organization or through free agency.

The takeaway

The Cubs' outfield situation is a major concern heading into the 2023 season, with Seiya Suzuki's injury and Matt Shaw's defensive struggles in right field. How the team navigates this issue could have a significant impact on their early-season performance and their chances of contending in the NL Central.