Shaw is starting in right field and batting ninth in Thursday's season opener against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Michael Conforto was expected to step in as the Cubs' primary right fielder versus right-handed pitching with Seiya Suzuki (knee) on the injured list, but Shaw will instead get the call Opening Day against Washington righty Cade Cavalli. Shaw almost exclusively played third base as rookie last season, but he prepared to fill a super-utility role during the offseason and will immediately get a look at one of his new positions Thursday. The 24-year-old struggled to a .689 OPS in 126 regular-season games last year in his first taste of the majors but is coming off a strong spring training, during which he batted .320/.417/.500 in 60 plate appearances.

Shaw played first base for the first time in his career during Wednesday's Cactus League contest, and he could be a contingency option there for the Cubs during the regular season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Shaw is adding to his defensive acumen in an effort to grow into more of a super utility role for the Cubs, though he had to borrow Carson Kelly's first baseman's glove to try out the new position Wednesday. With Tyler Austin (knee) set to miss a few months, Chicago is looking for added versatility off the bench, and Shaw would give the Cubs some depth behind starter Michael Busch if he can hold his own at first. Shaw almost exclusively played third base as a rookie last year, with a handful of appearances at second, but he's already played in right field, center field and now first so far this spring. It seems like the 24-year-old could play regularly for the Cubs across the diamond in 2026 even without a regular starting position.

Shaw went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's Cactus League contest against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The home run was the first of the spring for Shaw, who is batting .310 with an .812 OPS across 11 Cactus League contests. Also notable Tuesday was seeing the youngster start in center field. With Alex Bregman now in the fold to play third base, Shaw is getting comfortable in the outfield, and the Cubs plan to start him regularly in right field against left-handed pitchers. Shaw struggled with consistency during his 2025 rookie campaign, though he still managed 13 home runs and 17 stolen bases. It remains to be seen how much the 24-year-old will play in 2026, but he could take a step forward from a fantasy perspective if he sees the field often enough from a utility role.

The Cubs are expected to start Shaw in right field against left-handed pitchers, Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Levine, manager Craig Counsell said that Shaw will play a lot in the outfield, and that will likely include starting in right field versus lefties while Seiya Suzuki slides into the designated-hitter spot. Shaw played the outfield a bit in college and in summer ball but has not spent an inning there at the professional level. The 24-year-old appears poised to operate in a super-utility role for the Cubs this season.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Thursday that Shaw could be used some in the outfield this season, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

If the Cubs hang on to Nico Hoerner rather than trade him following the signing of Alex Bregman, Shaw's best shot at regular playing time would be in a super utility role. All 114 starts for Shaw with the Cubs in 2025 came at third base, but the 24-year-old also has significant experience at second base and shortstop, and he played the outfield some in college and in summer ball. It's also possible the Cubs use Shaw as a trade chip in order to supplement their roster elsewhere.

Shaw went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a stolen base and three total runs scored in Wednesday's 10-3 win over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Shaw played a key offensive role from the No. 9 spot in the lineup, delivering his 13th home run of the season and 17th stolen base. While the rookie is batting just .230 with a .298 on-base percentage, his combination of power and speed hints at his potential in 2026 and beyond. Shaw has also played well lately, as he's riding a four-game hitting streak and is batting .467 during the stretch.

Shaw (personal) will start at third base and bat eighth in Tuesday's game against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Shaw was away from the club Sunday in order to attend a funeral, but he's back in action Tuesday following the Cubs' team off day Monday. The rookie infielder is slashing just .200/.297/.309 in September.

Shaw (personal) is expected to be back with the Cubs by Tuesday's series opener versus the Mets, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Shaw was absent from the lineup Sunday against the Reds, which is now understood to be the result of him attending the funeral of a friend. The 23-year-old has struggled to a .200 average with one home run, seven RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base over 55 at-bats in 18 games in September.

Shaw is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Shaw's streak of nine consecutive starts will come to an end Sunday, as he'll yield to Justin Turner at third base. The rookie went 6-for-31 (.194 average) with a home run and a 4:6 BB:K during the nine-game stretch.

Shaw went 2-for-4 with a double and a two-run home run in Friday's 7-4 loss to the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Shaw had been in a bit of a power drought, as this was his first home run since Aug. 20, giving him 12 for the season. While the rookie came out of the All-Star break on a hot streak, he has cooled down more recently. Since the beginning of August, Shaw is batting just .222 and he's striking out nearly 24 percent of the time. He should continue to see regular playing time now that the Cubs have clinched a playoff spot, but the team may be less patient in the postseason if Shaw slumps.