Rookie of the Year Frontrunner? Matt Shaw’s Power Binge is the Only Thing Keeping the North Side Lit .v1

CHICAGO – In the darkest corners of the Chicago Cubs’ injury-riddled April, there is a bright, 106-mph light shining from the bat of Matt Shaw. While the rotation is in triage and the veteran bats are searching for their rhythm, the 2023 first-round pick has transformed from a “prospect to watch” into the “reason to watch.”

Matt Shaw is currently in the midst of a power binge that has captured the attention of the entire baseball world. Over the last five games, the rookie has looked like a glitch in the simulation, launching home runs in back-to-back series and leading the National League in “hard-hit percentage.” His exit velocities are routinely north of 105 mph, and his ability to punish high-velocity fastballs has made him the most feared hitter in the Cubs’ lineup—even with All-Stars like Alex Bregman and Seiya Suzuki surrounding him.

The “Shaw Surge” has officially catapulted him into the pole position for the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year award.

“What Matt is doing right now isn’t normal for a rookie,” veteran third baseman Alex Bregman said, shaking his head. “The kid is fearless. He doesn’t care who is on the mound or what the situation is. He has a plan every time he steps in, and he’s executing it at an elite level. He’s the spark plug this team needed when everything else felt like it was going wrong.”

What makes Shaw’s arrival so vital is his versatility. On Friday, with Seiya Suzuki returning to right field, Shaw didn’t retreat to the bench. Instead, he shifted back to the infield, showcasing a “super-utility” capability that allows Craig Counsell to play a high-stakes game of musical chairs with the roster. Shaw can play second, third, or the outfield without missing a beat, ensuring his bat stays in the lineup every single day.

Currently slashing a deceptive .222—a number skewed by some early-season bad luck—Shaw’s “expected” metrics are off the charts. He leads all rookies in barrel percentage and sweet-spot contact. More importantly, he has become the emotional leader of the “youth movement.” Alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong, Shaw represents a new era of Cubs baseball that is fast, powerful, and fundamentally sound.

In a week where the Cubs lost their top young pitcher for the year, Shaw’s power binge has been the only thing keeping the North Side “lit.” He is the reason fans are still showing up for Friday matinees with a sense of optimism. He isn’t just a rookie anymore; he is the indispensable heart of the 2026 Cubs. If he keeps this up, the Rookie of the Year trophy won’t be a goal—it will be an inevitability.