CHICAGO — Sometimes, all a player needs is a team that believes in him. For Michael Busch, that didn’t happen in Los Angeles. But in Chicago — where the wind blows at Wrigley Field, where history and pressure intertwine — he’s rewriting his entire career.
Just a few months ago, Busch left the Dodgers in a seemingly insignificant trade, part of a trade for a young talent. With no place in L.A., no place in the lineup — Busch quietly departed.
Today, he’s the Cubs’ hottest bat, with fans standing every time he steps up to the plate.
“Scorching” Lefty – Top 3 MLB OPS of the Month
In his last 30 games, Michael Busch has:
11 home runs
27 RBI
.362/.438/.742 slashline
OPS 1.180 – behind only Juan Soto and Aaron Judge
There’s more to those numbers than just efficiency. It’s the explosion of anger being pushed aside, the declaration:
“I’m not a benchwarmer. I’m an All-Star – and you missed me.”
Independence Day: Cubs Set Record – Busch Makes Mark
On July 4, in a game that could go down in team history, the Chicago Cubs hit 8 home runs – a club record. And at that party, Michael Busch also contributed a blockbuster hit, amid cheers and fireworks exploding at Wrigley.
No All-Star? No problem. The whole city of Chicago is All-In for Busch.
Why did the Dodgers give up on him?
That’s the question that keeps getting asked. In the Dodgers’ farm system, Busch has always been highly regarded, but with a roster packed with stars like Freeman, Betts, Smith, the opportunity to play is a luxury.
In December 2023, he was sent to the Cubs. A name that quietly left. But for the Cubs, it was the biggest Christmas gift they’ve ever received.
Stats this season (through July 8):
AVG: .293
HR: 18
RBI: 56
OPS+: 162
WAR: 3.1
If this isn’t an All-Star season, MLB needs to rethink the definition of “worthy.”
Busch and Crow-Armstrong – the new Cubs foundation?
With Cody Bellinger injured, Busch didn’t just take his place—he upgraded the No. 4 position, forming a deadly trio with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Christopher Morel.
Last year, the Cubs were searching for an identity. This year, they may have found it in a Dodger pariah.
Michael Busch: “All-Star” or not—I’m playing like a guy with something to prove”
And he’s clearly not just proving himself.
He’s forcing MLB to recognize him.