The Chicago Cubs have made a statement that could redefine their infield heading into the 2026 MLB season. The team officially signed veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez, a 49-home-run slugger who split the 2025 season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners.
Suárez blasted 36 homers with Arizona before adding 13 more with Seattle following a midseason trade. His season also featured a historic four-home-run game, showcasing the kind of raw power that immediately elevates any lineup. With his arrival in Chicago, the Cubs now boast one of the most potent bats in the National League.
Matt Shaw’s Future Now in Question
For rookie Matt Shaw, who opened the 2025 season as Chicago’s starting third baseman, the news creates immediate uncertainty. Shaw did see some time at second base last season, but that position is firmly held by Nico Hoerner. The Cubs’ front office now faces tough decisions:
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Will Shaw become a trade candidate to help balance the roster?
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Could Hoerner shift positions to make room for Shaw elsewhere?
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Or will Chicago restructure the infield entirely to accommodate its new superstar?
Sources inside the organization suggest the Cubs are actively evaluating all options, making it clear that Suárez’s signing is just the beginning of what promises to be a dramatic offseason.
Power Move for the Cubs
From a baseball perspective, Suárez is the ideal addition. He brings veteran presence, consistent power, and the ability to change the outcome of a game with one swing. But with his signing comes a ripple effect: the infield logjam forces the Cubs to make additional moves to optimize their roster.
This is a bold, “all-in” move by Chicago — a signal that the organization is serious about contending in 2026 and willing to make tough calls on its young talent.
Looking Ahead
While Suárez anchors third base, the Cubs’ next steps will be closely watched. Whether it leads to a high-profile trade, a positional shuffle, or a complete overhaul of the infield, one thing is clear: Chicago’s offseason just went from quiet to electrifying.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Cubs work to balance power, youth, and roster flexibility in the coming months. One thing is certain: the signing of Eugenio Suárez guarantees that the 2026 season in Chicago will start with big expectations and even bigger headlines.
