In Cubs first baseman Michael Busch’s first at-bat against the Angels, he walked on four balls that didn’t come close to the strike zone.
After a breakout 2025 season that saw Busch finish third among first basemen in homers (34), seventh in RBIs (90) and second in wRC+ (140), he’s earned that respect from pitchers because they know Busch capitalizes on mistakes. So far this season, Busch has kept up his productive ways at the plate.
Busch isn’t the showman Pete Crow-Armstrong is, nor is he the clubhouse leader like Dansby Swanson or the All-Star like Alex Bregman. He’s an unassuming player who lets his game speak for itself, and it’s loud.
“I think he was the best first baseman in baseball last year,” Crow-Armstrong told the Sun-Times. "I know you still got [Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman] and [Orioles slugger Pete Alonso] in the National League. But last year, I don't think there was a better first baseman in baseball.”
Busch fits in with the measured and workman-like group that team president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has assembled. The Cubs traded left-handed pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope to the Dodgers for reliever Yence Almonte and Busch before the 2024 season.
At the time of the trade, Busch was the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect, according to MLB.com, but was blocked from regular playing time because of Los Angeles’ star-studded cast of future Hall of Famers at first and second base, and the designated hitter spot.
With regular playing time, Busch has flourished in Chicago. And now, after manager Craig Counsell said he’s going to use him more against left-handers this season, he’ll have even more responsibility, and Busch should fare well. He already sets the tone for the team as the leadoff hitter, even though he doesn't fit the prototypical model of one. Crow-Armstrong said jokingly that Busch is “lacking a little bit of speed.”
“I love him in the leadoff spot,” Crow-Armstrong said. “His ability to get on base, an
