MESA, Ariz. — The Cubs have been transparent since trading away Isaac Paredes that top prospect Matt Shaw would have a pathway to be the team’s Opening Day third baseman.

It’s not a guarantee he fills that role, though.

“I don’t think we’re in the world of anointing a rookie and just giving him a job,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said at his press conference at Sloan Park on Sunday morning. “I think he’s gonna have to win a job. But certainly, I think there’s real opportunity there for [him].

“We’ve got positions with guys on long-term contracts that are well established, but I think any other place you’re always going to be looking to improve.”

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The message from Hoyer, general manager Carter Hawkins and manager Craig Counsell was pretty consistent: the team set out to improve in the offseason and will continue to do so whether it’s on Feb. 9, June 9 or July 31.

So, while Shaw would be a solid option at third base, the Cubs aren’t being stubborn about that.

“As far as like putting a team together, it kind of feels like roster building never ends, and you’re always looking to make the team better. And that’s what you’re trying to do every year, trying to put yourself in a better position and put yourself in a good position to win a lot of games,” Counsell said. “I think we’re solidly in that position: always going to try to get better through player development and through player acquisition.”

Shaw represents the player development route. Alex Bregman — the best remaining free agent and top third baseman on the market — could represent the player acquisition front.

“Unclear,” Hoyer said when asked if any more external additions were coming. “You always look for opportunity. Right now, we have a meeting this afternoon and we’re gonna focus on the guys who are in camp. That’s the plan.

“I think offseasons have drifted later, whether it’s waiver claims, trades and free agent signings. Things happen a little bit later now. But given that it’s Feb. 9th, we’ll focus on the guys that are here.”

[Watch the complete press conference with Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins]

Bregman’s market has been slow developing this offseason and that’s created an opportunity where the Cubs could sweep in — especially on a contract similar to that of Cody Bellinger’s a year prior. That’s why it’s impossible to rule out the Cubs from being in the mix to acquire the World Series-winning third baseman.

But the Cubs won’t just pull the trigger on a deal to complete a move. They’re content with their in-house options if there are no external additions — despite the desire of Cubs fans to add Bregman.

“It’s kinda par for the course,” Hawkins said. “Last year at this time, we had similar conversations about other free agents and I think because it’s normal – there’s things externally that are allowed. It’s given us the opportunity to learn how to focus on our own process and learn how to focus on decisions that we need to make – not only today to have the best camp possible but for the team moving forward.

“It’s awesome that we have a passionate fanbase that wants us to be better and certainly we appreciate that. But we also appreciate that we need to just focus on what we can do that’s right in front of our face.”