Cubs' Michael Busch Embraces Routine, Prepares for Lefties

28-year-old first baseman looks to build on breakout 2025 season.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:55am

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Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch, 28, is looking to build on his impressive 2025 season, where he hit 34 home runs and posted an .866 OPS despite limited playing time. Busch credits his postseason success last year to sticking to his routine, and is now focused on improving his performance against left-handed pitchers. He's been using specialized training tools and working closely with the team's hitting coaches to better prepare for lefty matchups.

Why it matters

Busch emerged as a key part of the Cubs' lineup in 2025, and the team is counting on him to be a major contributor again this season. His ability to handle left-handed pitching will be crucial, as the Cubs aim to field one of the league's most potent offenses.

The details

Busch made adjustments to his batting stance in the offseason, moving off the plate a bit more to better handle pitches in the middle of the zone. He's also been using a Trajekt Arc machine to simulate facing left-handed pitchers and challenge himself in game-like situations. Busch says he's always had good plate discipline against lefties, but is looking to find "a little something" to improve his performance even further.

  • Busch broke out in the 2025 postseason, hitting 4 home runs with a .296/.387/.741 slash line in 8 games.
  • Busch is entering his third full season in the majors in 2026.

The players

Michael Busch

A 28-year-old first baseman for the Chicago Cubs who is looking to build on his impressive 2025 season.

Mike Fox

Busch's former coach at the University of North Carolina, who emphasized the importance of routine.

Craig Counsell

The Cubs' manager, who plans to give Busch regular playing time against left-handed pitchers this season.

Alex Bregman

A player who was impressed by Busch's 2025 stats when facing him in a spring training game.

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What they’re saying

“In the postseason, there's so many emotions and looking forward to things or you're at bats or whatever, but trusting your routine was probably the biggest takeaway for me, that it really does help and it helps you focus when your mind doesn't want you to focus.”

— Michael Busch, Cubs First Baseman

“It's an impressive year. And I think it's just a sign of someone who's earned it, and now you've got to prove it.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

Busch will look to continue his strong play against left-handed pitchers as the Cubs aim to field one of the league's most potent offenses in 2026.

The takeaway

Busch's dedication to his routine and willingness to adapt his approach have helped him emerge as a key part of the Cubs' lineup. His ability to handle lefties will be crucial as the team looks to build on its success from last season.