THE MESSAGE: “I STAND UP FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IN”
PHOENIX, AZ—Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw has once again become a central figure in the intersection of sports and politics. As of December 19, 2025, Shaw is appearing as a featured speaker at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025, a major conservative gathering held this weekend in Phoenix.
The “unexpected message” circulating among fans stems from Shaw’s speech, where he addressed his decision to prioritize his convictions and faith over public optics. Standing on the AmericaFest stage, Shaw reportedly told the audience:
“I stand up for what I believe in, not just on the baseball field but also in the community. My faith and my values are the foundation of who I am, and I’m not afraid to represent those, no matter the noise.”
(Note: While some reports mistakenly referenced a “basketball court,” Shaw clarified his focus on his platform as an MLB third baseman and his role as a leader in the community.)
A POST-SEASON OF CONVICTION
This appearance is the latest chapter in what has been a polarizing winter for the Cubs’ young star. Shaw’s involvement with Turning Point USA became a national headline in September 2025, when he missed a critical late-season game during a playoff push to attend the memorial service for his close friend, TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
- The Relationship: Shaw revealed that he and Kirk had been neighbors and close friends who frequently discussed faith and the future of Chicago.
- The Leadership Pivot: By speaking at AmericaFest alongside figures like Donald Trump Jr. and JD Vance, Shaw is signaling that he intends to use his “broader avenue of influence” to engage in social and political advocacy.
- The Backlash & Support: The move has sparked “lively discussion” in Chicago. While some fans have criticized the distraction from baseball, others have praised Shaw for his “social responsibility” and for having the courage to be transparent about his worldview.
BY THE NUMBERS: THE MATT SHAW PROFILE
Despite the off-field headlines, Shaw remains one of the most productive young players in the National League.
| Category | 2025 Rookie Season Stats | The “Influence” Factor |
| WAR | 3.1 | Highest among Cubs infielders in 2025. |
| Batting Avg. | .274 | Led all NL rookies in multi-hit games. |
| Home Runs | 19 | Projected for 25+ in 2026. |
| Attendance | AmericaFest 2025 | One of the first active MLB stars to headline a TPUSA event. |
THE VERDICT: A NEW TYPE OF CLUBHOUSE LEADER?
Matt Shaw is clearly comfortable in his own skin, stating earlier this week that he is “not concerned at all” about any potential backlash. Within the Cubs’ clubhouse, teammates have largely remained professional, though analysts like Dan Bernstein have noted that Shaw’s “unapologetic ownership” of his political identity marks a shift in how modern athletes navigate their public personas.
As the Cubs look toward 2026, the question is no longer just about Shaw’s glove at third base, but how his “standing up” will resonate within a diverse locker room and a city as politically complex as Chicago.
