Cubs ride momentum and Matt Shaw’s breakout as they push toward October
Chicago’s recent results have helped steady the ship. After taking two of three from Pittsburgh, three of five from Milwaukee, and opening their West Coast trip with a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels, the Cubs sit five-and-a-half games behind the division-leading Brewers and well in control of the first Wild Card position. A hot start gave way to a 16-16 stretch after the All-Star break, but the Angels series helped restore some confidence as they head into a three-game set with the San Francisco Giants.
One rookie has become a notable factor in the turnaround: third baseman Matt Shaw. Since the All-Star Break, Shaw has posted a .298/.343/.691 line with nine homers in 102 plate appearances. He’s walking in 6.9% of his trips and striking out 18.6% of the time, figures that reflect a more selective and efficient approach at the plate.
For those who like the numbers visually, Shaw’s 15-game rolling wOBA has trended upward this season, showing a clear arc of improvement through late July and into August. Compare his early-season plate appearances with those from the post-break period, and a striking pattern emerges.
Shaw’s adjustments are tangible in the box. Before July, his stance was more closed and his timing relied more on a leg kick. Since the All-Star Break, he’s adopted a somewhat more open stance, with a shorter timing mechanism that allows him to reset and drive the ball more effectively. Pitch data and contact metrics support the change: Shaw is pulling the ball more and connecting with launches that fall into a more ideal window.
The change isn’t just cosmetic. In early-season swing comparisons, Shaw’s behind-the-plate positioning and swing path showed a more efficient setup after the break. The result is a higher rate of solid contact and more opportunities to drive balls into gaps or over the fence.
Baseball is all about adjustments, and Shaw’s early-to-mid career arc is a reminder that players can retool on the fly at the highest level. If he sustains this level of performance, Shaw could be a cornerstone for Chicago’s lineup as the Cubs chase a postseason berth.
What this means going forward
– Shaw’s continued production will be a key factor for Chicago’s offense in the final stretch.
– The Cubs’ depth and health across the lineup will determine how aggressively they push for October.
– For fans, Shaw’s progression is a hopeful sign that the team’s young core is maturing together.
Summary: The Cubs have steadied their season with recent wins and sit in strong wildcard positioning, buoyed by Matt Shaw’s late-blooming production and noticeable mechanical adjustments that have translated into better contact, increased pull rate, and a sharper launch angle. If this trajectory holds, Chicago’s push for the postseason could gain real momentum.
Additional note: Keep an eye on Shaw’s continued plate discipline and how opposing pitchers adapt to his adjusted stance and approach. If he maintains the line he showed after the break, the Cubs could benefit from a rising offensive centerpiece as the league’s calendar moves toward September and beyond.