The Chicago Cubs face an intriguing MLB trade deadline. Despite sitting last in the NL Central, they initially aimed to contend this season. After a strong start, the team struggled due to injuries and on-field performance, leaving first-year manager Craig Counsell with limited options. As the deadline nears, the Cubs have started to play better, putting the front office in a tricky position.
Should they sell assets to prepare for 2025 and beyond, or should they bolster the roster, hoping for a turnaround in the final two months? Michael Busch’s performance has clarified some of these decisions. If the Cubs add at the deadline, they won’t need to sacrifice their first-year first baseman.
Welcome to Chicago, Michael Busch
Michael Busch’s first season with the Cubs has been eventful. After being traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2023 offseason, Busch started strong at the plate and played solidly at first base. Initially, the Cubs were uncertain about where Busch would fit, but they aimed to solidify the first base position for the present and future.
Since Anthony Rizzo’s trade to the New York Yankees, the position had been unstable, with various players attempting to fill the void. Busch, with his potential, was seen as a long-term solution.
Game of Adjustments
The Cubs hoped Busch would be a key factor in a playoff push. While it’s still unclear if the Cubs will make the postseason, Busch’s performance has fluctuated. He started the season on fire, setting rookie records and contributing significantly to the Cubs’ early success. However, as pitchers adjusted to him, Busch’s performance declined.
He struggled with off-speed pitches, high fastballs, and breaking balls, impacting his batting and fielding. This led to questions about his role with the trade deadline approaching.
Mid-Summer Swing
Just as concerns peaked, Busch made crucial adjustments, improving his batting average, plate discipline, and fielding. Starting in June, Busch, along with Ian Happ, helped lead the Cubs to victories. Busch now boasts a .275/.365/.476 slash line with a .841 OPS, 12 home runs, and 34 RBIs.
These improvements mean the Cubs don’t need to worry about first base at the trade deadline. Busch’s versatility also allows the team to consider adding players in other positions without compromising defense.
Impacting the MLB Trade Deadline
With a tumultuous season, the Cubs’ organizational landscape, payroll, and prospects make them a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches. There are calls to buy, potentially adding players like Mason Miller or Elias Diaz, and to sell, developing the farm system by trading players like Cody Bellinger, Christopher Morel, and Nico Hoerner.
Michael Busch’s solid performance as a young, club-controlled first baseman is crucial for GM Jed Hoyer’s deadline strategy. Early-season speculation about trading for Vlad Guerrero Jr. has quieted, allowing focus on other positions.
With versatile players in the lineup, Hoyer has flexibility in trade targets if the Cubs decide to buy. If they choose to sell, prospects are ready to step up. Michael Busch’s addition has been valuable for the Cubs, and despite a rocky May, he has rebounded effectively.
