The Chicago Cubs finished just 83-79 in 2024 as they failed to reach the postseason for the fourth consecutive season. While their offense was just about league average, first baseman Michael Busch was a bright spot as he showed significant growth in his rookie season.
Busch hit .248 with 21 home runs, 65 RBIs, and a .775 OPS in his first season with the organization. It marked a significant improvement from his first taste of MLB action - which came in 2023 with the Los Angeles Dodgers - where he hit just .167 with two home runs, seven RBIs, and a .539 OPS in 81 plate appearances.
Chicago's general manager Carter Hawkins expects the former top-100 prospect to continue to improve, stating:
Busch should be in the Gold Glove conversation and has made consistent loud contact all spring, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
Busch was not among the finalists for the Gold Glove Award in 2024, however, advanced metrics show that he was productive on that side of the ball. Meanwhile, the Cubs first baseman has had a strong Spring Training at the plate. He is hitting .452 with one home run, 11 RBIs, and a 1.177 OPS.
Chicago is set to begin their season in just under a week as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Tokyo Series. While they have not reached the postseason since 2020, the Cubs are currently the betting favorites to win the NL Central - which figures to be one of the weakest divisions in baseball.
