As the Chicago Cubs look toward October, their success may depend on overcoming significant offensive hurdles. The lineup’s stability is in question, with Kyle Tucker’s second-half struggles raising concerns that a potential injury has diminished the first-half MVP candidate. Compounding the issue, Seiya Suzuki has been in a slump for the past two months, forcing the team to seek production from other sources.
First baseman Michael Busch has emerged as a potential hero for the Cubs. While the trade that brought him to Chicago cost the team highly-touted prospects Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris, the move has paid immediate dividends. Busch has established himself as one of the best offensive first basemen in baseball and is developing into a future Gold Glove contender.
Busch’s performance provides a critical anchor for a fluctuating offense. Entering Thursday, he posted a .256/.338/.499 slash line with 31 home runs and a 133 wRC+. With Tucker’s health in question, Suzuki’s inconsistency, and pitchers adjusting to Pete Crow-Armstrong, Busch has become a key offensive driver. Outside of Nico Hoerner, he has arguably been the most consistent hitter in the Cubs’ starting lineup this season.
The team’s collective regression over the final two months has been largely due to a lack of power hitting. For the Cubs to make a deep playoff run, particularly in the often pitcher-friendly environment of Wrigley Field, this trend must be reversed. Time and again this season, Busch’s offensive contributions have carried the team, and his bat will need to be a central force for them to find success in the postseason.
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