Matt Shaw DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

In his first game back in the big leagues with the Chicago Cubs in Monday's series opener against the hosting Miami Marlins and right-hander Edward Cabrera, third base prospect Matt Shaw is at the hot corner and batting ninth. The Cubs' top-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline, struggled in his first taste of the big leagues earlier this season, going 10-for-58 (.172) with a homer, three RBI, 10 walks and 18 strikeouts in 18 games played. It prompted the Cubs to send the 23-year-old back to the minors, where Shaw responded by slashing .286/.409/.560 with six home runs and five stolen bases in 24 games at Triple-A Iowa. While the nine-hole isn't exactly where fantasy managers want to see Shaw, he will have the opportunity to move up the lineup if he shows improvement in his return to the big leagues. He's worth a waiver-wire pickup everywhere for his five-category upside.

Chicago Cubs infield prospect Matt Shaw is set to rejoin the MLB roster prior to their contest against the Miami Marlins on Monday evening. Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted that the Cubs may look for a trade partner for infielder Nicky Lopez, as he is not traveling with the team to Miami. Shaw was able to make the Opening Day roster but was shortly optioned back to Triple-A after he posted a modest .172/.294/.241 slash line with just one long ball across his first 18 games. However, since returning to Triple-A Iowa, Shaw has been very productive. Through 24 games, the Maryland product has posted a stellar .284/.409/.560 slash line with five doubles, six home runs, five stolen bases, and an 11:17 K:BB. Fantasy managers should expect him to have an everyday role at the hot corner with Jon Berti serving as the No. 2 option. Given his five-category upside, he should be started in all 12+ team formats.

Chicago Cubs infield prospect Matt Shaw went 3-for-5 with two home runs during their contest against Triple-A St. Paul on Friday evening. This was Shaw's second time hitting at least two home runs over his last three contests. Over his last eight contests, the former 13th overall pick has been swinging a hot bat, posting a strong .400/.486/.1.033 slash line with two doubles, one triple, and five home runs. During this stretch, Shaw has swiped three bags and held a 3:4 K:BB. The Maryland product was able to crack the Opening Day roster but was eventually optioned to Triple-A following his slow start. However, fantasy managers should expect Shaw to be in the mix to return to Chicago quite early in the season, given his strong play. Shaw carries five-category upside and is worth stashing in all standard formats.