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Cubs Infielder Continues to Prove Himself Throughout the Season

Michael Busch has established himself as a highly skilled and promising first baseman, demonstrating a remarkable blend of power, plate discipline, and defensive prowess. Despite his impressive performance, it’s clear that he has yet to tap into his full potential, leaving room for continued growth and development. Busch’s impressive display of skills suggests that he is poised for a breakout season, and his upward trajectory indicates that he will be a key contributor to his team’s success for years to come.

Michael Busch is Playing for Keeps

There’s no question the Chicago Cubs have had a down year offensively, overall. It’s also clear that Busch has been one of the few bright spots in the Cubs lineup throughout most of the season.

After a hot April where he had a .874 OPS with six home runs and 17 RBI, Busch went into a May slump. That month his OPS slipped to .712. He rebounded in June slashing .297/.402/.446 and followed that with a respectable .784 OPS in July. August brought another down cycle that ended in an offensive display that brought him National League Player of the Week honors.

Busch tries to remain cool during the season’s ups and downs. As he said in a recent interview with MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, “I know there’s ups and downs, but you’re trying to make those downs a little smaller.”

A New Position Becomes a New Home

When spring training began, Busch faced a new challenge: transitioning from middle infielder to first baseman, a position he had rarely played. Undaunted, Busch embraced the opportunity and dedicated himself to mastering the unfamiliar role.
As the season unfolded, Busch’s hard work paid off. He not only adapted to first base but excelled, showcasing impressive defensive skills. By August 5, he had surged to the top of the league, leading all first basemen with 10 Defensive Runs Saved, as reported by Bastian. Busch’s success can be attributed to his quick reflexes, sure hands, and accurate throwing. Throughout the season, he continued to refine his game, demonstrating improved positioning and scooping skills, cementing his status as a reliable and skilled first baseman.

Putting It All Together

All this adds up to a player with an increasingly high batting and fielding run value according to Baseball Savant. As a hitter, Busch scores high marks in barrel rate, launch angle, chase and walk rate. His fielding Outs Above Average is near the top of the league.

With just twelve games left in the season, Busch has a 3.2 WAR and 120 OPS-plus in 140 games. For the season he’s slashing .257/.340/.454 with 20 home runs, 27 doubles, 63 RBI, 58 walks and a .793 OPS.

In earning NL POW honors this month, Busch batted .478 with four home runs, two doubles, 11 RBI a walk and seven runs. His slugging percentage over that six-game period was 1.087 and he had a .480 OBP.

Still Room for Improvement for Michael Busch

While Busch may not impress with his arm strength or speed, he compensates with a high baseball IQ, plate discipline, and exceptional defensive skills. His below-average arm and average running ability are offset by his instincts and smart decision-making.
One area for improvement is Busch’s plate discipline. The Cubs are eager to see him reduce his whiff rate and strikeout rate, both currently hovering around 29 percent. Despite a torrid start – 6 HR and 17 RBI in April had him on pace for 36 HR and 102 RBI – inconsistency plagued his season.
However, Busch’s 6’1″, 210-pound frame suggests he possesses the physicality to hit for both average and power. If he can refine his approach and cut down on strikeouts, particularly with runners in scoring position, he has the potential to become a consistent middle-of-the-order threat. A realistic ceiling for Busch could be 25 home runs and 85 RBIs, with the possibility of reaching 30 homers and 100 RBI in his prime.

Main Photo: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Ron Voller

Ron Voller

Ron Voller is a Chicago Cubs beat reporter for Last Word on Sports.

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