Michael Busch's Early-Season Struggles Are In The Past
After a frigid start, Chicago's slugging first baseman has silenced critics by transforming into the Cubs' premier run producer and most reliable threat in high-leverage situations.
Video Transcript
What is up, Cubs fans?
And welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
I'm Joey Polizzi, talking about all things Cubs.
And there was some concern among fans early in the season about Michael Busch.
Busch did not look great early on.
Really struggled.
Hard hit rate was down, bill rate was down.
Like, everything across the board was really down for Busch, which was really surprising because just the season ago, Busch was probably the Cubs' most consistent hitter outside of Nico Hoerner.
Busch hit 34 long balls, was really good all the way around, played a good defense at first base.
But the beginning portion of this season, Busch was not consistent at the plate.
That, that was a fact.
Not consistent at the plate.
But since the end of April, Busch has probably been the best all-around Cubs hitter.
He's batting 279 since April 20th, six home runs, a bunch of RBI.
Like, he is getting the job done.
And yeah, the power could be better.
Six home runs, not great at this point in the season, especially since Busch did have 34 a season ago, which was a career high.
But six home runs, yeah, it could be better, but Busch is doing a lot of great things in the Cubs lineup right now, especially with hitting and runners with scoring position.
I think that is the big point here with Michael Busch is he's hitting in those key spots.
He's delivering in those key spots.
He's, he's putting the team on his back when he needs to, and Busch has been great in high leverage spots, has been great with two outs, with runners in scoring position.
Has been great with runners in scoring position all together, and that has been a big key for Busch recently and that's been a big part of how Busch has turned around his season.
He's been hitting with runners in scoring position and now he leads the team in RBI at this point in the season.
So Busch deserves a ton of credit for the way he has turned around his season after that slow start.
And Busch now is, is looking to be that all-around guy that the Cubs can rely on in key spots.
And just look at last Saturday's game against the Giants.
It's, you know, the bot- bottom of the 10th inning.
It's extra innings, and Michael Busch steps to the plate looking to win the game for the Cubs.
He pulls an outside pitch right into right field for a single.
The Cubs win the game.
Those are the type of hits Busch has been delivering in, in key spots over the past few weeks.
So Busch deserves a lot of credit.
He has moved up to the number three hole and has delivered there, and that's a good spot for him.
He takes his walks when he needs to.
He's putting the ball in play, and he does have that home run potential that I think is going to be unlocked here very soon.
But let me know what you guys think about Busch's numbers recently.
Are you encouraged by them?
Let me know down below.
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.
