Cubs Prospect Matt Shaw’s Emotional Journey: Faith, Loss, and Resilience Amid Heartbreaking Headlines.vc
In the whirlwind of a rookie season that has seen Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw rise from top prospect to everyday contributor, recent headlines have painted a picture of profound personal trials. At just 23, Shaw—drafted 13th overall in 2023 out of the University of Maryland—has navigated grief, controversy, and unwavering faith, all while anchoring the Cubs’ infield during their 2025 playoff push. While unverified rumors swirl about family tragedies, Shaw’s real story centers on a deep bond with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose untimely death thrust the young star into the national spotlight. As Shaw eyes a key role in the Cubs’ postseason, his grace under pressure echoes the heart-wrenching tales of perseverance seen in peers like Chris Sale, whose family vow pulled him from the brink.
A Bond Beyond Baseball: Shaw’s Friendship with Charlie Kirk
Shaw’s 2025 season took a poignant turn on September 10, when Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during a public appearance at a Utah college. The two had forged an unlikely friendship last offseason in Arizona, living in the same apartment complex and connecting over shared Christian faith. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a vocal Cubs supporter, texted Shaw after nearly every game, offering encouragement that blended spiritual guidance with baseball banter.
The night of Kirk’s death, Shaw was scratched from the Cubs’ lineup in Atlanta for “unspecified personal reasons,” later revealing the emotional weight hit hard: “A lot of emotions came over me.” On September 21, Shaw left the team mid-road trip in Cincinnati to attend Kirk’s memorial at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona—attended by tens of thousands, including allies of President Donald Trump. Kirk’s widow, Erika, personally invited him, a request Shaw couldn’t refuse despite the Cubs’ tight Wild Card race.
The Cubs granted permission, ineligible for MLB’s bereavement list (reserved for immediate family), and manager Craig Counsell backed the decision after consultations with teammates and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. Chicago lost 1-0 to the Reds that day, with veteran Justin Turner filling in at third—ironically, a “below-average” performance that highlighted Shaw’s value. Shaw rejoined the team by September 23 for the Mets series at Wrigley Field, calling the trip “what was meant to be.”
Facing Backlash: Shaw Stands Firm in His Faith
Shaw’s absence sparked debate, especially after Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen labeled it “weird” on air—drawing sharp criticism online for hypocrisy, as Cohen had taken time off for his dog’s passing. X erupted with support for Shaw, praising his prioritization of faith and friendship over fandom. One user noted, “Faith & Family > Everything,” while another called out the double standard: “Elly de la Cruz played the day his sister passed away. Matt Shaw has now missed 2 games because of the death of a political idol.”
Unfazed, Shaw addressed the noise head-on: “Whatever backlash comes is OK. I feel strongly about my faith… My connection with Charlie was through our faith, and that’s something that drives me every day.” He emphasized Kirk’s postgame texts and the personal invite from Erika, adding, “I’m not concerned at all” about reactions. Counsell lauded his maturity: “It takes a lot to show up and play through grief. But Matt’s doing it with grace and heart.” (Note: This echoes unverified reports of Shaw honoring a lost “first fan” with a glove patch—possibly conflating Kirk’s influence with family lore—but no confirmed family
loss emerged.)
Shaw’s Roots: A Family Foundation in Massachusetts
Born November 6, 2001, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Shaw grew up in Brimfield with parents James and Chris Shaw, who nurtured his love for the game. Chris, a constant at his Maryland games, embodies the supportive mom who “believed in Matt long before the world knew his name.” After transferring from Wilbraham & Monson Academy to Worcester Academy, Shaw exploded at Maryland: 22 homers as a freshman, Cape Cod League MVP in 2022, and the 2023 Brooks Wallace Award.
Signed for $4.85 million, Shaw tore through the minors: .357 in 2023, .284/.379/.488 with 21 HRs in 2024 across Double-A and Triple-A. His 2025 MLB debut came March 18 in Tokyo against the Dodgers, but early struggles (.172, 1 HR in 18 games) led to a Triple-A stint before a May 19 recall. Now batting .265 with 12 HRs and Gold Glove-caliber defense, he’s the Cubs’ No. 1 prospect turned cornerstone.
Parallels to MLB’s Redemption Stories: From Shaw to Sale
Shaw’s trials mirror Chris Sale‘s arc, where a son’s plea over dinner—”Don’t quit… you’re the best”—rescued the ace from injury hell to 2024 Cy Young glory with the Braves. Like Sale pitching for his boys, Shaw channels Kirk’s faith-driven texts into diamond fire. As the Cubs chase a top Wild Card spot—potentially facing Atlanta in the Division Series—Shaw’s story adds soul to their surge, much like Kerry Wood’s homecoming rumors or the Braves’ Schwarber pursuit signal rebirth.
For Cubs fans, Shaw isn’t just a rookie; he’s a beacon of belief—family-forged, faith-fueled, and fiercely resilient. As he glances skyward in the dugout, whispering thanks, Wrigley whispers back: You’ve got this, Matty.
