Michael Busch Emerges as Cubs’ Cornerstone — A Breakout Season That Redefines Wrigley’s Future.vc
The Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season may have ended sooner than fans hoped — a tough NLDS exit at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers — but amid the disappointment came undeniable growth. And no story shined brighter than that of Michael Busch, the steady, powerful first baseman who has now cemented himself as a pillar of the franchise’s future.
“This season has been a great opportunity for me to grow both offensively and defensively,” Busch said following the playoff loss. “I know I’ve had a strong year, but it’s all about helping the team win, especially in the postseason. We’re all focused on what we can do next to get the Cubs back on top.”
A Season of Breakthroughs
In his first full season as an everyday starter, Busch delivered the kind of production that front offices dream about. His numbers placed him among the elite first basemen in Major League Baseball:
- .523 slugging percentage (2nd among 1B)
- .866 OPS (3rd)
- 34 home runs (3rd)
- 5 triples (1st)
- 78 runs (8th in MLB)
- 137 hits and a .261 batting average
That rare blend of power and consistency made Busch one of Chicago’s most reliable offensive weapons. He wasn’t just producing numbers — he was delivering in moments that mattered.
Gold Glove-Caliber Defense
While his bat drew headlines, Busch’s defensive metrics told an equally impressive story. He ranked top five among all first basemen in key defensive categories:
- .996 Fielding Percentage
- 91 Double Plays
- 4 Errors (fewest among MLB first basemen)
- 84 Assists
- 998 Putouts
- 8.22 Range Factor
That steadiness transformed first base into one of the Cubs’ most dependable positions. Coaches repeatedly praised Busch’s ability to make complex plays look routine — the hallmark of a true defensive anchor.
Rising Under Pressure
In October, Busch took it up another level. Across the Cubs’ postseason run, he ranked fourth among all playoff hitters in slugging percentage (.741) and OPS (1.128). His four home runs led the team, and he finished second only to Nico Hoerner in batting average (.296) and total hits (eight).
When the Cubs needed a spark, Busch delivered.
The Future at First
As the front office heads into what promises to be a busy offseason, one position is off the table for debate. First base belongs to Michael Busch.
His combination of durability, approach, and quiet leadership has quickly made him one of the faces of the Cubs’ new era — alongside Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki.
Busch’s 2025 campaign wasn’t just a breakout — it was a declaration.
The Cubs may have fallen short this October, but with Michael Busch anchoring the infield and leading a wave of rising stars, the blueprint for the future at Wrigley Field has never looked clearer.
