All-Star Snub: Michael Busch Named National League Player of the Week

Busch Gets His Flowers

Over the past week, Busch went 13-for-23, hitting .565 with four home runs, two doubles, seven RBIs, and seven runs scored. His monster performance included a three-homer game on July 4 against the St. Louis Cardinals, helping the Cubs launch a franchise-record eight homers in a single game. Busch was the clear offensive spark, powering the team to one of its most electric wins of the season.

A Hot Streak That Started Long Before This Week

This award is not just about seven days of success; it is the culmination of a much longer hot streak. Since May 30, Busch is slashing .371/.441/.762 with 11 home runs, and his OPS sits among the best in the National League. Simply put, he has been one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball for well over a month now.

The advanced metrics back it up, but so does the eye test. Busch has looked more comfortable, more selective, and more confident in big spots. He is punishing mistakes, but more importantly, he is creating damage without chasing. In a lineup where several bats have started clicking, Busch has still managed to stand out as a steady, powerful presence in the middle of the order.

Still No All-Star Nod?

While the Player of the Week honor is a nice piece of recognition, it also brings up a lingering frustration. Despite his standout performance this season, Busch was left off the 2025 National League All-Star roster, a decision that continues to raise eyebrows among Cubs fans and baseball fans nationwide.

We broke down that surprising omission in our recent piece. In it, we explored how MLB’s “every team gets a rep” rule squeezed out more deserving names, including Busch and Seiya Suzuki. This week’s award only reinforces that argument.

More Than Just Stats

Beyond the numbers, Busch has become a young leader in the clubhouse and a tone-setter on the field. The mental discipline it takes to stay locked in as a young player where the league is constantly adjusting to you is no small thing, and Busch has handled it with maturity.

His ability to stay consistent, regardless of lineup spot or role, has made him one of the Cubs' most valuable players in 2025. While others have battled injuries or inconsistency, Busch has quietly anchored the offense and become a key reason the Cubs remain in the playoff mix heading into the All-Star break.

Final Thought: Keep the Recognition Coming

Michael Busch is not just having a good week; he is having a breakout season. This latest honor is overdue, but it is also well-deserved. Also, if he keeps swinging the way he has, it might not be the last one that he receives.

The Player of the Week plaque is nice, but the real validation will come if Busch continues to lead the Cubs into October. He has earned the spotlight, and now, the league is finally paying attention.