There has been a great deal of buzz surrounding the Chicago Cubs this spring. As Spring Training is well underway, fans and baseball analysts everywhere are keeping a close on Chicago’s young stars. Pete Crow-Armstrong, of course, is a hot topic around baseball. His floor appears to be extremely high based on last season, and his ceiling has the potential to have him become one of the best players of his generation.
A player that oftentimes does not get much attention, though, is first baseman Michael Busch. Entering his third season with the Cubs, Busch is a kind of steady and consistent slugger that is needed in Chicago’s young lineup.
And finally, he is getting some well-deserved recognition.
Chicago Cubs slugger Michael Busch gets top-10 first baseman ranking
MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs Jul 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Last year, Busch appeared in 155 games and hit .261/.343/.523 with 34 home runs and 90 RBI. What was really impressive, though, was that he lowered his strikeout totals in 2025 to 139 compared to 162 in 2024.
Indeed, Busch is a young slugger on the rise, and Bleacher Report has ranked him already as the eighth-best first baseman in Major League Baseball:
“After quietly posting a 118 OPS+ with 21 home runs as a rookie, Busch took another step forward last season and led a high-powered Cubs offense with 34 home runs. He was largely shielded from left-handed pitching last year, logging just 95 plate appearances against southpaws with a .642 OPS, and his platoon status is all that keeps him from climbing higher at this point.”
As one can see, the only thing that is keeping Busch from going higher on the list is his inability to hit left-handed pitching. If he ever can figure that out, he will truly be one of the most feared sluggers in the game.
For More Chicago Sports
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Cubs: Amaya taking emergency reps at first base following key injuries
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE