Will MLB Owners and Players Find Common Ground? Plus... Is It Time for Me to Focus on Football?

 

There are some topics that keep me up at night as a sports fan, and right now nothing is bigger than the possibility of a Major League Baseball lockout after this season. The more I've researched what both the owners and the players are asking for, the more convinced I am that this battle is far from over.

In my last episode, I broke down what the owners want. This time, I wanted to look at things from the players' perspective because understanding both sides is the only way to see where this could eventually end up.

The players are pushing for higher minimum salaries, earlier access to free agency, increased luxury tax thresholds, and penalties for ownership groups that refuse to invest in their teams. From where I sit, I actually understand many of their arguments. Professional athletes have a limited window to maximize their careers, and I don't blame them for wanting to earn as much as they possibly can while they have the opportunity.

At the same time, I can't help but wonder whether ownership is truly interested in creating competitive balance or simply protecting profits. As fans, we're told these changes are necessary for the future of baseball, but let's be honest—they aren't going to lower ticket prices or make concession stands any cheaper. That's why I believe the players will ultimately win more of these negotiations than the owners expect.

While all of this labor discussion is unfolding, another story has me scratching my head: the Chicago Cubs.

I honestly don't know what direction this organization is trying to go.

After battling through injuries and an ugly losing streak, the Cubs have started winning series again. But then they release Liam Hendricks after what appeared to be a successful rehab assignment and immediately trade for Aaron Civale, who has struggled throughout the season.

Those moves leave me wondering what Jed Hoyer and the front office are actually trying to accomplish. Is this a team that's aggressively pursuing a World Series, or are they simply making moves for the sake of making moves?

As a lifelong Cubs fan, I want to believe this team can make a run. They're still holding a Wild Card position, but every decision feels like another gamble instead of a clear plan to strengthen the roster.

Maybe Aaron Civale proves everyone wrong. Maybe he's exactly what this pitching staff needs.

I certainly hope so.

But right now, I have more questions than answers.

As much as I love baseball, there's another reality that's impossible to ignore.

Football season is almost here.

NFL training camps are opening, the Chicago Bears are preparing for Year Two under Ben Johnson, and my excitement is starting to shift. Football has always been my first love, and once training camp begins, it's difficult for me not to dive headfirst into everything happening around the Bears.

That means The Shawn Mackey Show is about to make a natural transition.

I'll continue following the Cubs if they make a serious push toward October, but unless something dramatic changes, football is about to become the primary focus of the show.

We're going to spend the coming weeks breaking down the Bears' rookie class, analyzing position battles, predicting the 53-man roster, and getting ready for what I hope becomes a memorable NFL season.

Whether you're a baseball fan, a football fan, or both, I appreciate every one of you who continues to watch, listen, comment, and share the show.

Be sure to subscribe to The Shawn Mackey Show on YouTube so you never miss an episode as we transition from baseball season into football season.

▶️ Watch and subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@ShawnMackey96

I can't wait to see where the rest of this sports year takes us.

I'll see you on the next episode.