Hoerner’s Extension Creates Uncertain Future for Shaw, Rojas
Nico Hoerner’s extension, which was first reported on Thursday evening, wrapped up a fantastic offseason for Jed Hoyer and the Cubs. The deal broke after the Cubs lost their Opening Day matchup to the Washington Nationals, but I will count it as having been done in the offseason because most of those negotiations would have taken place before Opening Day.
The deal sets Craig Counsell’s infield in stone for at least the next four years, unless something unexpected happens. It gives the Cubs a lot of security as they build out their roster, with a majority of their offense already under contract for the foreseeable future.
Although the ripple effects of Hoerner’s extension will be felt throughout the organization, the futures of Matt Shaw and Jefferson Rojas are being hit with actual waves. Both players now have no clear path to constant playing time well beyond this season alone.
Shaw was mentioned in trade rumors throughout the offseason, specifically in connection with the Red Sox. One of the reasons it did not make much sense for the Cubs to trade him was the uncertainty surrounding Hoerner’s contract. If Hoerner left after the 2026 season to become a free agent, Shaw could easily slot in as the team’s second baseman in 2027.
When it became clear that Hoyer was keeping both Hoerner and Shaw on the roster to begin the season, Shaw’s role became that of a utility player. Before the season began, Seiya Suzuki’s injury changed Shaw’s role yet again, with the 24-year-old playing in right field during the first two games of the new campaign. However, he hasn’t started in either of the last two games.
Having someone with Shaw’s positional utility is helpful, but keeping a player of his potential on the bench for so many games does not feel like a wise use of value. He will not have a spot in the infield until 2030 at the earliest, which would be just two years before he is set to hit free agency.
Despite it being several months away, Shaw has already become a candidate to be moved at the trade deadline. Even if he stays through the end of July, the offseason will surely be filled with rumors about his future. He could replace either Suzuki or Ian Happ next year if the Cubs like what they see from him in the outfield, but that does not seem to be a likely solution.
Although he is not yet in Chicago, Rojas is now blocked in the team’s minor league system. The fifth-ranked prospect logged 51 plate appearances in spring training, posting a .877 OPS with four home runs and 11 RBI. Playing for both the High-A South Bend Cubs and Double-A Knoxville Smokies in 2025, Rojas had a 113 wRC+ and a 12.3% walk rate.
He is still a ways away from reaching the majors, but it is something to keep in mind. The offensive upside is obvious, which could be attractive to other teams that have more room for him at a higher level than the Cubs. Or, if Shaw is indeed traded, the Cubs could hold on to Rojas as an injury replacement and depth piece for their infield.
Having extra depth is never a bad thing, but Hoyer will need to decide whether he would rather keep that depth in the organization or deal it elsewhere in an effort to strengthen another part of the roster. There is still time before any decisions will need to be made, but it never hurts to get ahead of things and keep the potential roster crunches in mind throughout the year.
