The Chicago Cubs have big plans for one of their newest offseason additions, Michael Busch. At age 26, Busch brings intrigue as he wasn't able to garner enough playing time on his previous team, the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers.
The January trade that brought Busch to the North Side included one of the Cubs' better pitching prospects, Jackson Ferris, going to Los Angeles. Sending away that talent shows that Jed Hoyer clearly valued Busch's skill set.
As it stands, the Cubs envision Busch seeing reps at first base for the 2024 season. The lefty slugger has experience playing multiple positions, which was likely intriguing to the Cubs.
Busch may not be the everyday option at first base, but the Cubs will still find ways to work his bat into the lineup.
He's already made a good impression on new manager Craig Counsell.
"He's just steady and consistent. That's what it's felt like," Counsell said of Busch. "Probably the thing you notice is there is athleticism."
Busch got his first taste of big-league action in 2023 with the Dodgers. In 81 plate appearances, Busch wasn't able to get much going and hit just .167. Given the assortment of talent the Dodgers already have, it's understandable why they viewed Busch as expendable.
The Cubs have an assortment of players who can handle first base, including Cody Bellinger, Patrick Wisdom, and Matt Mervis. Garrett Cooper and Dominic Smith are fighting for roster spots but have experience at the position as well.
With Pete Crow-Armstrong already assigned to the minors, Busch opening the season at first base with Cody Bellinger in center field is a likely scenario. But as recent history suggests, the Cubs' positional alignments won't be set in stone.
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