Matt Shaw's Demotion Headlines Massive Roster Changes for Cubs

Cubs fans definitely knew that big changes were coming to the bullpen after Monday's loss to the Padres, but the most surprising news of the day is that top prospect Matt Shaw is going back to Triple-A.

Shaw, along with right-handed reliever Nate Pearson have been optioned to the minor leagues, while Eli Morgan was placed on the 15-day injured list. Switch-hitting infielder and outfielder Vidal Bruján has been activated off the 10-day injured list and he'll replace Shaw on the 26-man roster.

Lefty Luke Little and right-hander Daniel Palencia have been called up from Triple-A Iowa. They'll replace Pearson and Morgan in the bullpen.

#Cubs Roster Moves:

-Matt Shaw optioned to Triple-A.
-Vidal Brujan had been reinstated from the 10-day IL.
-Eli Morgan placed on the 15-day IL with a right elbow impingement.
-Luke Little recalled from Triple-A.
-Daniel Palencia recalled from Triple-A.
-Nate Pearson optioned…

— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) April 15, 2025

Shaw, 23, has played in 18 games for the Cubs so far in 2025. The top prospect in the system has made 16 starts at third base and while he's played solid defense at the hot corner the numbers at the plate have been bad. Shaw is slashing .172/.294/.241, in 68 plate appearances. He's 10-for-58, with 18 strikeouts, 10 walks, 1 home run, 3 RBI and 11 runs scored.

It's been good to see Shaw not take his struggles on offense onto the field and he has shown the ability to draw walks in the midst of a prolonged slump. Yet, it has looked off for Shaw at the plate and you could argue that his delayed start to spring training may not have prepared him well-enough to begin his MLB career.

I'm not really worried about Shaw's future. He needs to get his timing back and his confidence certainly needs a boost. We'll see how Shaw performs at Triple-A over the next few weeks. He'll be back.

As for the bullpen moves, they were a must. Nate Pearson has been awful and apparently Eli Morgan has been dealing with an elbow issue that got worse on Monday. Daniel Palencia is in the same mold as Pearson. He throws hard, but has struggled with his command during his stints in the majors. Hopefully the hard-throwing righty can get into a nice groove this time around with the Cubs.

Luke Little is coming back from a shoulder injury that ended his 2024 season in July. He was really good after he was brought back up to the Cubs in mid-May, posting a 1.59 ERA in 20 appearances.