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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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Summary
In this episode of The Shawn Mackey Show, Shawn wraps up the Chicago Cubs’ 2025 MLB season with honest grades and tough love. From Craig Counsell’s questionable playoff decisions and Jed Hoyer’s underwhelming front office moves to standout performances by Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, and Seiya Suzuki — no one escapes the report card. Shawn breaks down key moments that defined the season, the managerial missteps that cost the Cubs their postseason momentum, and what fans can expect heading into 2026.
If you’re a diehard Cubs fan (or just love real baseball talk), this episode is your ultimate season postmortem — complete with player-by-player analysis, management critiques, and a look ahead at the offseason.
Takeaways
- Craig Counsell’s C– Grade Sparks Debate – Cubs fans are questioning Counsell’s costly playoff decisions and whether his $40M contract was worth it.
- Jed Hoyer’s D– for 2025 Roster Moves – A weak trade deadline and mishandled Kyle Tucker injury highlight Chicago’s front office failures.
- Michael Busch Emerges as Chicago’s Bright Spot – Power, consistency, and leadership make Busch a key player for the Cubs’ 2026 core.
- Seiya Suzuki Quietly Dominates – With 32 homers and 100+ RBIs, Suzuki earns an A– and proves his long-term value in Chicago.
- Nico Hoerner Named Cubs’ MVP – Near-.300 average and elite consistency make Hoerner the backbone of Chicago’s infield.
- Ian Happ’s Inconsistency Frustrates Fans – Despite gold glove defense, Happ’s slumps and .243 average earn him a disappointing grade.
- Dansby Swanson Needs Clutch Hitting – Strong glove but weak postseason numbers raise questions about Swanson’s offensive value.
- Pitching Rotation Under the Microscope – Matthew Boyd shines during the regular season, but Counsell’s rotation management falters in October.
- Cubs 2025 Report Card: B+ Team Held Back by Leadership – The players delivered heart and hustle, but management decisions cost Chicago a deeper run.
- 2026 Outlook: Talent in Place, Leadership in Question – With a strong young core, the Cubs’ next step depends on smarter front-office moves and better postseason strategy.
45 episodes
