Shaw’s Surge: Rookie Matt Shaw Continues Power Binge with Second Homer in Two Days .v1

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – There is a “Shaw Hype Train” leaving the station, and it’s moving at a velocity of 106 miles per hour. Matt Shaw, the Chicago Cubs’ 2023 first-round pick, is no longer just a prospect; he is a burgeoning superstar who is currently carrying the Cubs’ offense on his back.

During Wednesday’s 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, Shaw connected on a 95-mph fastball, sending a towering solo home run into the left-field seats. It was his second home run in as many days—following a similar ninth-inning blast on Tuesday—and his third of the young season. The “Shaw Surge” has become the defining storyline of the Cubs’ current road trip, providing a much-needed narrative of hope for a franchise dealing with a pitching catastrophe.

What makes Shaw’s performance so remarkable isn’t just the results, but the metrics behind them. According to Statcast, Shaw’s home run on Tuesday had an exit velocity of 106.0 mph and a hit distance of 365 feet. Through his first 11 games in the big leagues, Shaw leads all rookies in “hard-hit percentage” and ranks in the 90th percentile of all MLB hitters in “sweet-spot percentage.”

“He’s a special talent,” said third baseman Alex Bregman. “I’ve been around some great young hitters, but Matt’s ability to stay calm and execute his plan at this age is rare. He’s not just swinging hard; he’s hitting the ball with intent. Every time he steps into the box, you feel like something big is about to happen.”

Shaw’s emergence has forced Craig Counsell into a “good problem.” Initially viewed as a utility piece to bridge the gap until Seiya Suzuki’s return, Shaw has played so well that he has become unbenchable. Even with Suzuki returning on Friday, Shaw’s bat is too vital to remove from the lineup.

The rookie’s surge has also had a ripple effect on the clubhouse culture. In a week where the team lost Cade Horton, Shaw’s youthful energy and “no-fear” approach have acted as a stabilizing force. He represents the future of the franchise—a future that, despite the injuries, looks incredibly bright. As the Cubs head back to Wrigley Field this weekend, the “Shaw Surge” isn’t just a streak; it’s the arrival of the next great Chicago cornerstone.