The Chicago Cubs made a massive trade with the Houston Astros on Friday, acquiring outfielder Kyle Tucker for a trio of players.

As part of the return, the Cubs gave away third baseman Issac Paredes, whom they had just acquired last summer. With third base now vacant, MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian says top prospect Matt Shaw may now have a path to make the Opening Day roster.

He posted the following on Blue sky:

Without Paredes at third base, that could give top prospect Matt Shaw a path to the Opening Day roster. Michael Busch could be an option, or maybe the Cubs will look outside.

Right now the Cubs have Tucker/Bellinger/Suzuki for RF/DH, so Bellinger (unless he gets traded) seems like a good fit for 1B.

Shaw, the organization’s No. 1 prospect, just represented Team USA at the Premier12 tournament, which is one of the top international tournaments in the world.

He put on a show during this tournament as the American team won the bronze medal. He had seven RBIs in a single game, tying Ken Griffey Jr. for the most RBIs in a single game in Team USA history. Griffey accomplished this feat during the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

Shaw was a first round draft pick Small in 2023, drafted to the University of Maryland.

The following is from his MLB.com prospect profile:

Shaw grew up a Red Sox fan and models his game after Dustin Pedroia. He walks a similarly fine line between aggression and discipline at the plate, repeatedly relaxing his right-handed swing while making consistent hard contact. He has no discernible weaknesses, thriving against lefties and righties alike and against all types of terrain. He uses the entire field well and his solid power extends to all parts of the park.

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