Michael Busch is the left-handed first baseman anchoring the Chicago Cubs‘ lineup — a power bat who has steadily grown into one of the more intriguing corner infielders in the National League since his MLB debut in April 2023.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Michael Busch
- Position: First Base
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- Number: 29
- Bats / Throws: Left / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’11» / 209 lbs
- Born: November 9, 1997 (28 years old)
- Hometown: Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, USA 🇺🇸
- MLB Debut: April 25, 2023
Background
Busch grew up in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, developing his love for baseball in the heart of the Midwest. His path to the big leagues ran through the Dodgers organization, where he was developed as a power-and-plate-discipline prospect. He made his MLB debut with the Cubs on April 25, 2023, and has been working to cement himself as a reliable run producer ever since.
Professional Career
Busch’s 2023 debut season showed flashes of the potential that got him to the majors, even if the raw numbers were modest. He took a meaningful step forward in 2024, hitting .248 with 21 home runs, 65 RBI, and an .775 OPS — proof he could deliver sustained power at the big-league level.
The breakout arrived in 2025: Busch posted a .261 AVG, 34 home runs, 90 RBI, and an .866 OPS, establishing himself as a genuine power threat in Chicago’s lineup and one of the emerging first basemen in the National League.
2026 has been a step back — .245 AVG, 14 HR, 63 RBI — but he remains a valuable piece at first base for the Cubs.
Career Stats
- 2026 — Chicago Cubs: .245 AVG | 14 HR | 63 RBI | 52 R | .745 OPS | 2 SB
- 2025 — Chicago Cubs: .261 AVG | 34 HR | 90 RBI | 78 R | .866 OPS | 4 SB
- 2024 — Chicago Cubs: .248 AVG | 21 HR | 65 RBI | 73 R | .775 OPS | 2 SB
Awards and Recognition
Busch hasn’t collected major hardware like an MVP or Silver Slugger yet, but his 2025 performance put him squarely on the map as one of the NL’s up-and-coming first basemen. Individual recognition could follow if he gets back to that level.
Good to Know
Busch bats left and throws right — a combination that gives him a natural advantage against right-handed pitching. Cubs fans have taken note of his commitment to offseason work and his drive to sharpen every part of his game, which speaks to the kind of professional approach that tends to age well in the big leagues.
