How Matt Shaw's development at third base has shored up one the Cubs' strengths

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 22: Matt Shaw #6 of the Chicago Cubs throws out Taylor Ward #3 of the Los Angeles Angels at first base in the fourth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 22, 2025 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776270147John McCoy/Getty

SAN FRANCISCO – Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw reacted so quickly it was nearly impossible in real time to understand what he’d done to snag the line drive that Angels hitter Bryce Teodosio had sent screaming up the third-base line.

One moment, Shaw was facing the plate in a ready position. The next, he was pushing himself up from the ground with the ball in his glove for the last out of the fifth inning…