Chicago Cubs Must Improve Third Base Position; Here's How They Can Do It
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Despite having baseball's hardest schedule in April, the Chicago Cubs are going to come out of the month at least three games over .500, and they hold one of the easiest remaining schedules.
After a 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, Chicago sits at 17-12 atop the NL Central division. There is one thing still preventing Chicago from being a true contender in the NL, and that is third base.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 18: Vidal Bruján #17 of the Chicago Cubs plays third base during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field on April 18, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 18: Vidal Bruján #17 of the Chicago Cubs plays third base during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field on April 18, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.With their pursuit of Alex Bregman in the offseason, the Cubs clearly did not feel comfortable with what they were entering the season with at the position.
Top prospect Matt Shaw was given the starting job after his performance in spring training and Chicago hoped he would be the answer. That was not the case, and Shaw was optioned to Triple-A Iowa after just 18 games played.
Five players have spent time at third base for the Cubs already this season. That list includes Shaw, Gage Workman, Justin Turner, Jon Berti and Vidal Brujan. Those five players have given Chicago the No. 21 spot (-0.3) in Wins Above Average at the third base position.
It is not just the offensive struggles that are cause for concern, but the defensive struggles as well. Workman made two errors in just nine total chances, good for a .778 fielding percentage. Brujan made a costly mistake on Sunday that led to a Phillies run in the top of the 10th inning.
'You can argue up and back whether Bruján could have charged that ball and made a different play … He's playing way too deep to do that.'@MLBBruceLevine on the play that led to the Phillies' 2nd run in the 10th. pic.twitter.com/dJCqWsA15H — Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 28, 2025
It is a position that is a clear weakness that Chicago must address before it becomes too late. There are a couple of different ways that the Cubs could approach the situation.
The first would be to bring Shaw back up to the major leagues and let him work out his issues. Yes, the struggles at the plate would be tough to look past, but his defense would be levels above anyone else currently playing the position.
The second way is to explore the third base trade market. There are a few trades that Chicago could explore to make a splash and massive upgrade at the position.
Whatever the final decision is, it is important that the Cubs address the situation sooner rather than later, before it begins to cost them games and potentially even a division championship.
More MLB: Phillies Predicted to Target $8.2 Million All-Star Closer in Blockbuster Trade
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
22 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Kyle Schwarber Responds on Possibly Leaving Phillies to Join 'Awesome' NL Rival
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Philadelphia Phillies hit the All-Star break in the midst of a close race for the top spot in the National League. The Phillies are tied for the third-most wins in the NL, fewer than three games back from the top spot held by the Los Angeles Dodgers. And as the race for the National League pennant heats up, they'll be counting on their sole offensive All-Star to keep up his career pace. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has carried the Phillies' offense for much of the season, ranking first among his teammates for total runs, home runs, RBI, on-base percentage and more so far this season. But his production is also coming with a cost, as it means he is likely to hear from plenty of suitors in free agency this coming winter. "Maybe the Phillies and Schwarber can work out something quickly in the offseason," Scott Lauber wrote for The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Or maybe another team will swoop in." PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 16: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks back to the dugout after a fly ball for an out to end the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens... PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 16: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks back to the dugout after a fly ball for an out to end the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on May 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) More Barry/Getty It's hard to say what Schwarber's future market might look like. He's been one of the sport's most productive sluggers for years, but he's also 32 years old and limited defensively. But as an Ohio native, where he still has a home, Schwarber could be a fit with the NL upstart Cincinnati Reds. And when Lauber asked Schwarber about the chances of joining his hometown team in free agency, Schwarber welcomed the idea. "Being a baseball fan and growing up and watching Cincinnati baseball for your whole youth, that's how you fall in love with baseball, I think it would draw your attention, right?" Schwarber said, per Lauber. "Being able to play for your childhood team is something that I think it'd be awesome." As of now, Schwarber and the Phillies are most focused on completing a strong second half and making a deep playoff run. But when the time comes, it sounds like the slugger will be open to other offers if his current team can't head them off with a new contract first. More MLB: Potential Yankees Target Addresses Trade Rumors
Forbes
41 minutes ago
- Forbes
New Wilson Ultra V5 Racket Enticing Host Of Professionals To Switch
The new Wilson Ultra V5 tennis racket. The new Wilson Ultra v5 tennis racket, launching July 15, already has something the previous versions haven't enjoyed: a host of top-level tour professionals switching to the Pro version of the frame. As Wilson continues to tweak the design of its flagship 'explosive power' frame, the Chicago-based brand has added new technologies designed to complement the modern game while introducing a range of rackets within the Ultra v5 line to appeal to a mix of players, including enticing Alex de Minaur, Qinwen Zheng and Marta Kostyuk to switch frames and join Maria Sakkari as Ultra players. 'The new Ultra v5 gives me a whole new level of confidence on court,' de Minaur says, 'the power and precision are another level.' Marta Kostyuk is switching to the Wilson Ultra v5 and will have a dress to match the racket's ... More colorway. The seven models of the new frame, which include the mainline 100 and the 99 Pro, along with two lightweight 100s, a 111 and two junior frames, 'is all about power for the aggressive baseliner,' David Packowitz, Wilson global product line manager for performance rackets, tells me. 'In v5, it was how do we deliver a better experience for those players and give them the ability to execute their game better?' MORE: Roger Federer And Wilson Launch RF Classics Rackets The answer focused on adapting to the modern game, which includes players hitting with more net clearance as they rely on additional spin, players being forced to hit shots from a greater variety of areas on the court, the need for increased shot variety—no longer is it just a serve and big forehand, but players are using chips, high balls, slices and more to set up the winner—and a fresh level of explosivity. 'We wanted to deliver a racket that allows players to accelerate and generate pace off slower balls," Packowitz adds. To make it happen, Wilson reengineered the internal layup of the carbon fiber with a 'tiny tweak' to the flexibility of the racket. While still a stiff power racket, Packowitz says, the result offers more pocketing in the Ultra v5 that offers additional access to control and power that helps keep the ball within the confines of a 78-foot-long tennis court. The change also increased the ability to shape shots, generate spin and create power on slower balls. Alex de Minaur is switching to the Wilson Ultra v5. Wilson, with two power-focused frames—the Ultra and Clash—comes about that power differently in each. The Clash is more flexible with a focus on comfortable power, while the Ultra offers a 'stiff, explosive power racket for the player who takes long cuts and wants something super stable.' Packowitz says both offer a focus on power—the Ultra offers more power than, for example, the Blade—but with a different feel. It's that classic stiffness that attracts elite level players. And now they have a model to fit their needs. MORE: Top-Selling Wilson Clash Racket Back For V3 Release The Ultra v5 features the 99 Pro, a version loaded with additional technology, including an 'elite power flex' that makes it the stiffest racket in the Wilson lineup. There's also a higher balance, meant for stability. The 99 Pro also tweaks the v5's dual tapered beam by creating it in a 'D' shape to make it even more maneuverable on fast swings. The 100 model features power grooves at the top of the hoop, while the 99 Pro moves them to all four corners for an 'explosive feel on contact.' While the 16x19 string pattern is the norm for the Ultra v5, the 99 Pro comes a 16x18 pattern to bring in an additional level of forgiveness and spin because of the racket's stiffness. The Ultra v5 100 weighs in at 300 grams, while the 99 Pro is at 305, making it easy to add weight to, if players want to customize. The power-focused Wilson Ultra v5 tennis racket. 'The 99 Pro is a new model at the top of the food chain in the franchise for the elite power aggressive baseliner,' Packowitz says. 'That is a racket that players are going to find wonders in, with tech that is special and important. It is cool to add to the line and players are asking when they can get their hands on it.' New tech also comes with new manufacturing. Packowitz says that while Wilson is always working to improve quality, the Ultra v5 shows a real step up in improved spec tolerance. 'It is something we are absolutely committed to,' he says about trying to create repeatability between racket specs. 'You are not going to get another racket that plays different but get something consistent.' The Wilson pledge starts with the Ultra v5, but Packowitz says spec tolerance will improve for every product cycle for each racket. Marta Kostyuk and her WIlson Ultra v5 tennis racket. To really accentuate the explosive power focus of the Ultra v5, Packowitz says the design team, along with the product development team, wanted to create a cosmetic that matched the performances. 'We kept coming back to this idea of a blue flame, the hottest part of the flame,' he says. Hence the 'electric indigo' color was born. 'It is bold, explosive and energetic,' he says. 'It is loved by our players.' Wilson will lean fully into the color—the 99 Pro comes in all gloss, while the other versions come in matte—thanks to a head-to-toe Electric Indigo look worn by Kostyuk, who will use the new racket with a matching Headliner Dress and Intrigue shoe. Wilson wants to make an explosive statement with the new Ultra v5. They have powerful stars backing it up. MORE: Wilson Expanding Tennis-Infused Lifestyle Sneaker Style MORE: Roger Federer Lists Most Iconic Rackets In Tennis History
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Hall of Fame Shortstop Urges Cubs to Make Moves Prior to Trade Deadline
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Things are beginning to feel like 2016 all over again in Chicago. The beloved Chicago Cubs entered the All-Star break 57-39, good for a season-best 18 games over .500 and the best record they've had at the break since 2016, when they won the World Series. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Matthew Boyd #16, Pete Crow-Armstrong #4, and Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs pose outside the Coke-Cola Roxy Theatre during MLB All-Star workout day at Truist Park on July... ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Matthew Boyd #16, Pete Crow-Armstrong #4, and Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs pose outside the Coke-Cola Roxy Theatre during MLB All-Star workout day at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. More Matt Dirksen/To some, though, the Cubs still may not have enough firepower to compete with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter spoke Monday about the Cubs' success this season and what they will need to do prior to the trade deadline to hope even the playing field with the Dodgers. "Everyone asks, are the Cubs a contender? Of course they are," Jeter said during FOX Sports' MLB All-Star coverage. "If you're the Chicago Cubs you have to sit back over the next couple weeks before the playoffs and sit and say, are we good enough to beat the Dodgers in the postseason. If not, you've got to go out and get something. Even if you think you are, you've still got to go out and get something." Are the Cubs the best team in the National League?@derekjeter tells us if that is the case — FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 14, 2025 Jeter certainly makes a good point, as Chicago currently trails Los Angeles by a half-game for the best record in the National League. The two teams have already completed their season series and that saw the Cubs take four out of seven games from the Dodgers. It would appear that the Chicago front office is very aware of the need to improve at the trade deadline. It has been noted several times that Chicago is interested in trying to acquire at least one if not two starting pitchers such as Mitch Keller, Edward Cabrera or Lucas Giolito. The Cubs & the Pirates have been engaged in serious trade talks regarding RHP Mitch Keller for more than a week, per @BNightengale. Keller is currently in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract. — Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) June 29, 2025 Improving the rotation is certainly a starting point, but it is likely that the Cubs will need to improve a couple other areas of the team to have a real chance of knocking off the reigning World Series champions. More MLB: Yankees Urged To Reunite With $67 Million Pitcher In 'Emergency Trade'
