CUBS STAR UNDER THE MICROSCOPE AFTER TURNING POINT USA APPEARANCE
CHICAGO, IL—The intersection of sports and politics has found a new focal point in Chicago Cubs rising star Matt Shaw. The 23-year-old infielder is at the center of a brewing media storm after attending a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event, where he was publicly thanked by Erika Kirk, the widow of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
This appearance, and the subsequent public gratitude from the Kirk family, has instantly reignited a debate regarding Shaw’s personal image and the “sensitive issue” of professional athletes navigating political spaces in the modern era.
THE CONNECTION: FAITH, FRIENDSHIP, AND ARIZONA
While the media attention is new, Shaw’s connection to the Kirks is rooted in a personal friendship that predates his MLB breakout.
- A Neighborly Bond: Shaw and Charlie Kirk lived in the same apartment complex in Arizona during the off-season.1 The two reportedly bonded over their shared Christian faith, with Kirk frequently texting Shaw words of encouragement after Cubs games.2
- The Memorial Service: Earlier in September 2025, Shaw made headlines by taking an excused absence from a critical game against the Reds to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Glendale, Arizona.3
- The Public Thank You: Erika Kirk’s public acknowledgment of Shaw’s support—both at the memorial and at the recent TPUSA AmericaFest—highlighted the depth of their family bond, even as it placed Shaw in the crosshairs of social media scrutiny.
“WHATEVER BACKLASH COMES IS OK”
Shaw has remained remarkably steadfast in the face of the “sensitive debate” surrounding his personal choices. Speaking to reporters at Wrigley Field, Shaw offered a rare, transparent glimpse into his priorities:
“My connection with Charlie was through our faith,” Shaw stated. “That’s something that drives me every day. I know that without my faith, I wouldn’t be here. Whatever backlash comes is OK; I feel strongly that I was meant to be there to support a friend.”
A TALE OF TWO HALVES: SHAW’S 2025 PERFORMANCE
The debate over Shaw’s image is amplified by his “rollercoaster” rookie season. While critics suggest political distractions hindered his early start, his second-half surge tells a story of elite resilience.
| 2025 Phase | Batting Avg / OPS | The “Image” Context |
| First Half | .198 / .556 | Struggles led to trade rumors and “distraction” critiques. |
| Post All-Star | .258 / .839 | Became a Gold Glove finalist and hit 11 of his 13 HRs. |
| September | .320 / .720 Slug | Carried the Cubs to their first postseason series win in 8 years. |
THE “MEDIA AGE” CHALLENGE
Inside the Cubs organization, the leadership—including Craig Counsell and Jed Hoyer—has remained supportive of Shaw’s right to personal expression, emphasizing that he followed all protocols for his absences. However, the “Backlash Debate” highlights a growing divide in fan sentiment. While some applaud Shaw for his loyalty and “unapologetic authenticity,” others have voiced concerns on platforms like Reddit, wishing to “separate the athlete from the message.”
As the 2026 season approaches, Matt Shaw isn’t just a “prospect” anymore—he is a battle-tested veteran of both the diamond and the digital town square.
