The Chicago Cubs have made headlines with their $175 million investment in third baseman Alex Bregman, a move that has inadvertently left another player, Matt Shaw, without a starting role just weeks before spring training begins.

Matt Shaw, a 24-year-old third baseman, recently faced criticism due to his decision to skip a September game in favor of attending a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona. Although the Cubs had already secured a playoff berth, Shaw’s absence, especially given his lackluster .223 batting average, sparked disapproval among fans and commentators.

Shaw, who was close to Kirk through their shared Christian beliefs, later issued a statement expressing gratitude for the Cubs’ understanding: “The team’s support in allowing me to attend the service was truly meaningful.”

Further complicating Shaw’s situation, insider reports suggest he has been challenging to coach.

In an article for The Athletic, Law highlighted issues in Shaw’s rookie year, citing “frequent mechanical changes and apparent reluctance to accept guidance from the Cubs’ coaching staff.” Law also noted Shaw’s decision to prioritize the memorial over a crucial game against the Cincinnati Reds, which the Cubs narrowly lost 1-0, as a clear indication of his off-field priorities.

Charlie Kirk (center) is flanked by Cubs infielders Matt Shaw (left) and Michael Busch (right)

Newly acquired Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman enjoys the game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center

Many critics attacked Law on X for referring to the Kirk’s memorial service as a ‘political rally.’ The event took place at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Cardinals, and was attended by President Donald Trump, among other right-wing figures.

‘Keith Law is a political extremist & allowing his hatred of Trump & Charlie Kirk to influence his baseball analysis, falsely claiming Matt Shaw is unprofessional, uncoachable & needs to be traded,’ one critic wrote on X.

But many other fans supported Law’s suggestion, politics aside.

As one wrote on X: ‘Keep Nico Hoerner, Trade Matt Shaw, simple stuff, Cubs.’ 

ESPN’s Jeff Passan has reported that the San Francisco Giants have inquired about Hoerner.

But USA Today baseball insider Bob Nightengale sees another avenue for the Cubs to retain Shaw.

‘The Cubs now can move Matt Shaw to second base and trade Nico Hoerner or simply make Shaw a super utility player,’ Nightengale wrote on X.

Of course, a developing player like Shaw needs as many plate appearances as possible, which could make a reserve role unappealing for both the player and the team.

Kirk, a passionate Chicago Cubs fan, is pictured with his wife and daughter at Wrigley 

Kirk, a lifelong Cubs fan, was shot to death while speaking on September 10 at Utah Valley University.

Shaw faced criticism from Cubs fans and media members from around the country when he attended Kirk’s memorial service days later. 

‘I don’t want to talk about any of the politics of it, but the thought of leaving your team in the middle of a race for any reason other than a family emergency really strikes me as weird,’ Mets announcer Gary Cohen told color commentator Todd Zeile.

‘I think it’s unprecedented, at least from my experience as a player,’ Zeile responded.

The 13th pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, Shaw appeared in 126 games as a rookie, but posted a poor on-base percentage of just .295 and an equally miserable slugging percentage of .394. Despite this, he finished ninth in the Rookie of the Year voting.

The Massachusetts native spoke at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix last month.