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Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw Prepares for Outfield Work as Visa Delays Leave Two Teammates Waiting
MESA, Ariz. — Matt Shaw is already getting a head start on adjusting to life in the outfield, aided by guidance from a Cubs veteran.
Ian Happ, who famously transitioned from infield to outfield as he did in 2020, offers Shaw practical advice as the 24-year-old learns new responsibilities. When Shaw asked whether he should use a 14 1/2-inch glove for the outfield, Happ informed him that such a size doesn’t exist, delivering a helpful, light-hearted moment that Shaw recalled with a smile.
Happ later joked about the anecdote, saying, “It’s the small things, you know?” He also credited Ben Zobrist for helping him navigate the shift to outfield, particularly in breaking down the practice routines required when playing multiple positions. Happ anticipates continued conversations with Shaw during camp to plan how to balance a super-utility role.
Photos: An inside look at Cubs spring training reveal the team’s activities and atmosphere.
Happ added that pressure from being in and out of spots and uncertain about when opportunities will arise can be challenging. He emphasized focusing on the fundamentals rather than flashy plays, noting that Zobrist advised him to excel at the small, consistent tasks that contribute to overall performance.
Shaw sees the main obstacle as carving out time to practice at five different positions while maintaining health and conditioning.
“Getting the chance to move between infield and outfield feels quite unique, almost like being a kid again—running, catching, diving, and having fun,” Shaw said.
Impending Free Agents in 2026
Within the Cubs’ clubhouse, especially among the veterans, there’s an understanding that 2026 could be the final year for the core group. With seven core players entering the last year of their contracts, the focus remains on delivering a strong season and making a deep October run.
“Every player has a situation, and if you’re in a free-agent year, things have gone well for you,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell remarked. “This team has a real, special opportunity to seize, and we should be fully present for what we can achieve together with our teammates.” He added that contract talks aren’t the priority right now.
Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki said they had not begun extension discussions, while Nico Hoerner expressed excitement about being part of this group, emphasizing the rare chance to build long-term chemistry in the clubhouse.
“I’m grateful to be in this locker room right now,” Hoerner said. “We all share an incredible opportunity this season, and several players are in their final year here. That reality is energizing because we’ve developed a strong, consistent core that’s uncommon in the big leagues.”
Cubs Sign Veteran Reliever Shelby Miller
The Cubs added veteran right-hander Shelby Miller to a two-year contract worth $2.5 million, with a club option for 2028. Miller, 35, is not expected to contribute this season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery—the second such procedure of his career—and is anticipated to miss the entire 2025 campaign.
“This is a signing for the future; this year is clearly in question, and the focus is on next year,” Counsell noted. “We’ll monitor the rehab and see how things unfold.” Miller posted a 1.98 ERA in 37 games with the Diamondbacks last year, but his numbers slipped after a trade to Milwaukee, culminating in surgery to repair a UCL.
Two Players Stuck Behind Visa Delays
The Cubs’ first full squad workout did not include two players still awaiting their visa clearances: catchers Moisés Ballesteros (Venezuela) and Christian Bethancourt (Panama). Counsell expressed guarded optimism about their attendance, estimating they might join the team in Arizona as early as the coming weekend.
Counsell said he has spoken with Ballesteros, but there’s little anyone can do beyond letting the process run its course. Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts downplayed concern, noting that visa issues are a recurring hurdle and expressing confidence that it will be resolved.
If you’re curious about what this means for the Cubs’ bullpen and lineup depth this season, the coming weeks should reveal how Shaw’s outfield transition, the veteran additions, and the visa timeline influence the team’s overall readiness.
