Cubs 2025 Season Report Card — Breaking Down the Highs, Lows, and What’s Next for Chicago Season 2 Episode 11

The 2025 Chicago Cubs season is officially in the books, and it’s time to tuck them in for the winter. After a rollercoaster year filled with promise, inconsistency, and questionable decision-making, fans are left wondering: where do we go from here? From the players to management, here’s an honest look at how the Cubs performed in 2025 — and what it means for the team’s future.

The season started with optimism. Spring training showed flashes of greatness, particularly from Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA), who electrified fans before cooling off late. The Cubs briefly held the best record in baseball, leading the division deep into June before a familiar fade began. The turning point came when Kyle Tucker’s hand injury was mishandled, derailing both his season and the team’s momentum. Instead of resting him, management let him play through pain — a decision that proved costly.

When the dust settled, the Cubs still managed to make the playoffs, hosting the Padres in the Wild Card Series. But while the team showed heart, questionable managerial moves haunted them throughout. Manager Craig Counsell, in his second season with the Cubs, earns a C– for 2025. His reliance on analytics in some areas — and gut instinct in others — backfired in key postseason moments. Starting Matthew Boyd on three days’ rest and mishandling Shota Imanaga’s usage were just two examples of decisions that raised eyebrows. Counsell’s $40 million contract is beginning to feel heavy, especially when compared to the Brewers’ continued success without him.

President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer didn’t fare much better. His lone trade deadline move — acquiring Michael Soroka — flopped, and his failure to bolster the roster when injuries struck was glaring. Hoyer’s grade: D–.

On the field, several players stood out. Michael Busch was the Cubs’ MVP, earning an A+ after a breakout postseason with four home runs and consistent clutch hitting. Seiya Suzuki also delivered, hitting 32 homers and driving in over 100 runs, while Nico Hoerner’s contact hitting and reliability made him one of the team’s few constants, also earning an A+.

Kyle Tucker’s performance was underwhelming, largely due to injury, while Ian Happ’s inconsistency continues to frustrate fans. Despite solid defense, his .243 average and lack of clutch hitting landed him a C. Rookie Matt Shaw showed flashes of potential, finishing with a C+, while veteran Dansby Swanson provided defense but little postseason offense — a solid B at best.

Behind the plate, Carson Kelly exceeded expectations, stepping up after Miguel Amaya’s injury and even hitting for the cycle. He’s one of the season’s underrated bright spots.

Pitching was a mixed bag. Cade Horton’s 11–4 record and strong ERA made him the staff ace, while Matthew Boyd’s resurgence was encouraging — until postseason overuse. Colin Rea was another steady contributor, but bullpen reliability remained an issue.

Overall, the Cubs earn a B+ for 2025. The team’s heart and determination were undeniable, but poor management decisions and inconsistent offense cost them a deeper playoff run. Still, there’s reason for optimism heading into 2026 — if the front office learns from its mistakes.

As for Craig Counsell, the pressure is on. With the Brewers thriving under Pat Murphy and Cubs fans growing restless, next season could be make-or-break for the highest-paid manager in baseball.

Next up on The Shawn Mackey Show: football season, Bears talk, and a closer look at the controversial AP Top 25 rankings. Stay tuned — because Chicago sports never sleep.