MESA, Ariz. — Before full squad workouts even begin, Matt Shaw’s path to being the Cubs’ Opening Day third baseman cleared up late Wednesday night.

Alex Bregman — the top third baseman on the free agent market — reportedly agreed to a 3-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox. Since dealing Isaac Paredes in a package deal to the Astros for outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Cubs have made it clear that Shaw would have every opportunity to win that role in camp.

[MORE: What the Cubs reportedly offered Bregman]

But young players have regularly struggled in their first taste in the minors. The Cubs saw it firsthand last year with their top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. Through his first 66 games (195 plate appearances), the center fielder was hitting .180 with a .523 OPS, 3 home runs and 17 RBI.

Despite his minor league success, Shaw isn’t guaranteed to light the world on fire when he reaches the majors.

So, can the Cubs afford to develop a top prospect while competing for an NL Central title?

“There’s always time to develop good players,” manager Craig Counsell said earlier this week at Cubs camp. “In sports, you have to commit time to that.”

In many ways, the situation for Shaw is different than Crow-Armstrong. The Cubs have added a bonafide star to the top of their order with the addition of Tucker. Miguel Amaya and Crow-Armstrong’s second half success and Michael Busch’s breakout rookie campaign, coupled with veterans like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson provide a deeper lineup, too.

“Somebody’s going to have a good April and somebody’s going to have a bad April,” Counsell said. “We don’t get to choose that always. So, I think young players for every team are critical.”

[WATCH: Breaking down swing and mechanical adjustments with Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly]

That will give Shaw the runway to adapt as a major leaguer.

“It’s important that we provide players a platform to play, provide players a platform to develop [and] do the right things for their development,” Counsell said. “Sometimes that’s a little bit of struggle. Sometimes that’s — we need some more time in the minor leagues.

“And those are all hard decisions for sure. And then there they are in the context of absolutely trying to win games.”

And now with more clarity, it’s about Shaw going out and proving he’s earned that opportunity in the majors.

“It’s time for Matt to go out and play,” Counsell said. “Matt’s passed a lot of tests. He’s a talented young player. The message is, Matt’s got a shot at it. There’s no question about it. He’s squarely in the mix. He is going to get the first shot at it.”