Cubs' Michael Busch Emerges as Indispensable Lineup Anchor

Breakout 2025 season sees Busch cement status as one of NL's top first basemen

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:39am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player, likely a first baseman, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the Cubs' team colors of royal blue, red, and white, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of the sport.Michael Busch's selective approach and power at the plate have made him an indispensable part of the Cubs' lineup.Los Angeles Today

After a breakout 2025 season that saw him finish among the National League leaders in home runs, RBIs, and wRC+, Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch has solidified his status as an indispensable part of the team's lineup. Known for his selective approach at the plate and plus power, the 25-year-old Busch has earned the respect of opposing pitchers and is poised for an even bigger 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

Busch's emergence as an elite offensive first baseman is a major boost for the Cubs, who acquired him from the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season. His consistent production and team-first mentality have made him a key cog in the Cubs' lineup, complementing the club's other young stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Dansby Swanson.

The details

In his first at-bat of the 2026 season, Busch walked on four pitches that didn't come close to the strike zone, demonstrating the respect he's earned from opposing pitchers. After slugging 34 home runs with 90 RBIs and a .866 OPS in 2025, Busch has continued his torrid pace at the plate, leading off for the Cubs. While he may not have the same star power as some of his teammates, Busch's unassuming yet highly effective approach has made him an indispensable part of the Cubs' lineup.

  • Busch was acquired by the Cubs from the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season.
  • In the 2025 season, Busch finished third among NL first basemen in home runs (34), seventh in RBIs (90), and second in wRC+ (140).
  • Ahead of the 2026 season, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said he plans to use Busch more against left-handed pitching.

The players

Michael Busch

The 25-year-old first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, who emerged as one of the National League's top offensive players in 2025 with a breakout season.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A Cubs outfielder who praised Busch's 2025 performance, saying he believes Busch was the best first baseman in baseball last year.

Dansby Swanson

The Cubs' veteran shortstop and clubhouse leader.

Alex Bregman

An All-Star third baseman in the National League.

Freddie Freeman

The star first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Pete Alonso

The slugging first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles.

Jed Hoyer

The Cubs' president of baseball operations, who acquired Busch in a trade with the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season.

Craig Counsell

The Cubs' manager, who said he plans to use Busch more against left-handed pitching in 2026.

Ian Happ

The Cubs' left fielder, who praised Busch's ability to control the strike zone and get the pitches he wants to hit.

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What they’re saying

“I think he was the best first baseman in baseball last year. I know you still got [Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman] and [Orioles slugger Pete Alonso] in the National League. But last year, I don't think there was a better first baseman in baseball.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs outfielder

“I love him in the leadoff spot. His ability to get on base, and especially when he's hot, makes things feel like an event. So when he's hot, it's been fun to watch.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs outfielder

“[Busch] knows what he can handle, and he does a really good job of swinging at the pitches that are right for him. It's not as easy as it sounds to do that. On Opening Day — Busch reached base four times and was 3-for-4 with two doubles — his ability to control the zone and get the pitches that he wanted to hit was impressive.”

— Ian Happ, Cubs left fielder

What’s next

With Busch expected to see more playing time against left-handed pitching in 2026, the Cubs will be closely monitoring his continued development and production at the plate as they look to build on their success from last season.

The takeaway

Michael Busch's emergence as one of the National League's premier first basemen is a testament to his selective approach at the plate, plus power, and team-first mentality. While he may not garner the same recognition as some of his more flashy teammates, Busch's consistent production and leadership have made him an indispensable part of the Cubs' lineup.