Angels suddenly have the perfect trade partner after Cubs deal for Alex Bregman

News of the Chicago Cubs' five-year, $175 million deal with free agent third baseman Alex Bregman sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball over the weekend, and the fallout will be something for Los Angeles Angels fans to watch.

Signing Bregman was always a pipe dream for the Halos, but that doesn't take away from the fact that LA still needs to find a starting third baseman before spring training begins next month. If the season started today, the Angels would likely be relying on Nick Madrigal. That's not going to cut it, folks.

Thankfully, the team that just signed Bregman provides the Angels with the perfect trade candidate. Last year's rookie Matt Shaw suddenly has no position in the Cubs' starting lineup, and while Chicago may decide to keep him as a utility infielder, LA should make every attempt to pry the slick-fielding third baseman away from the North Siders.

Cubs rookie Matt Shaw would be the perfect fit for the Angels' void at third base

Shaw was the Cubs' first-round pick in 2023 and made his MLB debut last season. He appeared in 126 games, and while his bat was rather disappointing (.226/.295/.394), his glove was not. Many MLB experts and pundits predict Shaw to be in the Gold Glove conversation most years, as evidenced by his 12 defensive runs saved (DRS) in 2025.

Shaw's Minor League track record also suggests his shortcomings during Year 1 could eventually be a blip on the radar screen. Through 183 games in the minors, Shaw owned an 11% walk rate and only struck 16.3% of the time while posting a .301/.388/.527 slash line.

In fact, after falling flat to open the season, Shaw was sent back to Triple-A for a tuneup. He hit .286 with a .970 OPS and 150 wRC+ in the minors, and upon his return to the major leagues, showed better discipline at the plate and an increase in power.

Shaw also fits the Angels' timeline. He's pre-arbitration eligible and under team control for another five seasons. While the fanbase would love to see Kurt Suzuki turn LA into a contender in Year 1, the Angels are likely to struggle in 2026.

Trading for Shaw won't be easy (or cheap). The Cubs are in win-now mode and aren't necessarily motivated to deal last year's rookie unless it improves their chances to win in 2026. Since the Halos are going the opposite way, perhaps there's some common ground to be had in a trade.

To date, the Angels' search for Anthony Rendon's replacement has come up empty. But a phone call to the Cubs might be their best opportunity to fix the hot corner for the upcoming season and beyond.