The Chicago Cubs have put together a roster that, if all goes according to plan, will compete for a World Series in 2026. Coming off of a year in which they went 92-70, the Cubs may have gotten even better with the addition of Alex Bregman at third base. Additionally, Moises Ballesteros is likely going to make a significant impact as a rookie.
But it is the players returning from 2025, and years prior, that have formed the base of this talented Chicago team. One that often gets overlooked, though, is first baseman Michael Busch.
Entering his age 28 season, Busch is also entering just his third season with the Cubs. However, he also just landed on ESPN’s top 100 player list.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch lands on ESPN’s top 100 players list
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
Busch, a left-handed slugger, is coming off of a year in which he hit .261/.343/.523 with 34 home runs and 90 RBI. He also struck out 139 times, which was actually down from his 162 strikeouts in 2024.
Still, his struggles against left-handed pitchers are well-documented, as was reflected on his 86th overall ranking on ESPN’s top 100 players list:
“Left-handers don’t always have an easy time hitting with power at Wrigley Field, and though Busch hit ‘only’ 13 of his 34 home runs there, he proved to be one of the better lefties in the game in 2025. His best quality is his mastery of the strike zone, which produced a .343 OBP last year, sometimes as a reliable leadoff hitter for manager Craig Counsell.
“Busch had that role in the postseason, forcing teams to use a lefty to open games as he ambushed the opponent early and often. Counsell says Busch will start against lefties this year, giving the 28-year-old more chances to add to his career high in home runs that he set last season.”
This all being said, while ESPN does think that Busch can increase his home run total in 2026, they also believe he will strikeout more than 150 times in the process.
The power that he brings to the lineup, though, may be worth it.
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