Chicago — When the list of nominees for MLB’s 2025 “pre‑arbitration bonus pool” was released, several young Cubs players — like Pete Crow‑Armstrong, Cade Horton, and Michael Busch — were included in the list for outstanding contributions.
But one notable name missing from the list was Matt Shaw — even though many believed he was fully eligible. The missed bonus has shaken Shaw and the Cubs community.
A source close to Shaw said he was devastated to learn he was “overlooked” — he had planned to use the bonus money to support disadvantaged Chicago residents, help families in need, or fund a community fund — but now those plans have been put on hold.
Shaw — a rising star in the Cubs’ system, with a 2025 season that is considered solid — has publicly said he feels “betrayed.” A close friend revealed: “For Matt, it’s not just a few hundred thousand dollars. It’s a promise he wants to make to the community, to those less fortunate.”
In addition, with teammates like Crow-Armstrong, Horton, and Busch receiving anywhere from a few hundred to over a million dollars, Shaw’s omission has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of MLB’s bonus pool allocation. Some Cubs fans have spoken out, questioning whether there is a “systemic error” or “bias” in the awarding process.
Not receiving a bonus could have a big impact on Matt Shaw’s mentality and plans. Many experts believe that the bonus pool is an important part of helping young players earn extra income, invest in their families, their lives — or carry out community projects.
Shaw, who was once highly regarded by his coaches and teammates for his potential, now faces the risk of losing financial incentive and faith in the system — especially since he once planned to use the bonus money to contribute to Chicago charities.
Under the mechanism of the pre-arbitration bonus pool, only players who are “pre-arbitrated” (not experienced enough to go to arbitration) and have made outstanding contributions — through WAR or awards — are considered for the bonus.
In 2025, the Cubs have three players eligible for the bonus: PCA, Horton, Busch.
This number reflects the limited reality: not all players are awarded. But the fact that a name like Shaw — according to many assessments — meets the criteria but is still overlooked raises questions about the bonus criteria, data transparency, and player rights.
In a recent speech, Shaw said that if he received the bonus, he planned to: “Take some of it and help families in need, kids in need of school help, and the homeless in Chicago.” But now that things have collapsed, he says he’s going to keep his promise – albeit late:
“I’ll still find a way to help – even without the bonus. But it’s hard to let go of the disappointment when you put your trust in the system.”
Those words touched many Cubs fans – and the MLB community – and raised the question: are young players’ rights being properly protected?
Matt Shaw’s story is more than just a personal one – it’s a wake-up call about MLB’s bonus system, about fairness and transparency. When hopes, plans, and even the desire to help the community are cut short by an internal decision, who loses?
For Shaw, the bonus loss was heartbreaking — but he still believed, still wanted to use baseball to bring about a greater good. For the Cubs and MLB, the question is: is the bonus pool really going to the people who deserve it most?
And for fans: do you continue to believe in fairness — when the very system you believe in can be your perfect pain?
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