Cubs top prospect Matt Shaw is playing like a star with Team USA at this year's Premier12 Tournament. The 23-year-old went 4-for-5 with SEVEN RBI on Sunday night, when he capped off the victory with a walk-off three-run homer to end the Netherlands' night early via the run rule.
Shaw began tournament play going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, getting on base a fourth time with a HBP against Puerto Rico. The infielder started at third base and batted second for the United States on Sunday against the Netherlands, leading Team USA to a 12-2 win in eight innings. (10-run mercy rule)
🇺🇸😤 A statement win for USA! #Premier12 || @Premier12 | @USABaseball pic.twitter.com/ndxYEx0Skm
— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) November 11, 2024
Shaw recorded a pair of singles and added a three-double to his batting line as the United States evened their tournament record to 1-1.
No matter where Shaw has played, give him a bat and he'll hit the ball hard all over the park.
MATT SHAW IS NOT HUMAN!#Premier12 pic.twitter.com/09Snz0FeXc
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) November 11, 2024
What is the Premier12 Tournament?
The Premier12 is arguably the biggest and most important international baseball tournament behind the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. The tournament features the top 12 men’s national baseball teams as determined by WBSC’s ranking system at the end of 2023.
You can read more about it on MLB.com.
Heading into the 2025 season, Shaw could be battling for a starting role at second base as the Cubs continue to evaluate Nico Hoerner's recovery from forearm surgery. The 2023 first round draft pick has quickly shot up through the team's farm system, ending this past year at Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs.
Shaw finished the 2024 season hitting .284/.379/.488 in 121 games between his time at Double-A and Triple-A. He posted a 146 wRC+, had an 18.2 K% and 11.9 BB% in 523 plate appearances. Shaw homered 21 times and was also a weapon once he reached base, swiping 31 bags in 42 attempts.
