Cubs Could Pair Justin Turner, Michael Busch At First Base
The Athletic's Patrick Mooney writes that the Chicago Cubs could pair the recently-signed Justin Turner, who hits right-handed, with left-handed-hitting Michael Busch at first base in 2025 while also getting him additional at-bats as the designated hitter. Turner has mainly played third base in his 16-year MLB career, but it's unclear how much the Cubs will use him there given his age (40) and the organization's high hopes for top prospect Matt Shaw (oblique). Shaw is dealing with an oblique injury early in camp, but as long as he's healthy, he's the favorite to be the team's Opening Day third baseman after the Cubs didn't sign Alex Bregman in free agency. Turner's power numbers have dropped considerably in recent seasons, but his presence as an option at first base against left-handers is a hit to Busch's overall fantasy upside in 2025.
Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro reports that it doesn't sound like Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch is an option to move across the diamond to third base next year after the team traded Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros last week. Instead, the Cubs could give the job to top prospect Matt Shaw if he earns the job in spring training. Busch has some experience playing third base in his career, but the Cubs would prefer to keep his solid glove at first heading into his second season with the team. In his first full year in the big leagues in 2024, the lefty hitting Busch batted .248/.335/.440 with 21 home runs, 65 RBI and 73 runs scored in 152 games played. He could build on his solid season in 2025, but Busch's limited positional versatility and struggles against left-handed pitching will limit his overall fantasy upside.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (triceps) is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth for the Cubbies on Friday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Nick Martinez at Wrigley Field. Busch was hit by a pitch earlier this week and missed one game as a result, but he's back now and ready to go for the final three games of the 2024 regular season this weekend. Cody Bellinger is making another start at first base, with rookie Kevin Alcantara making his second big-league start in right field. Busch does not have a hit in four career at-bats against Martinez. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter has produced his first 20-homer season and has also driven in 65 in 149 games in his first full season in the majors with the Cubs in 2024. Busch has been cold at the plate lately, going 3-for-20 (.150) with a homer, double, one RBI and six strikeouts in his last seven games played.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (triceps) is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's clash against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Busch was hit on his triceps by a pitch during Tuesday's contest and left the game early. As a result, he'll take the day off on Wednesday and should be considered day-to-day. With a scheduled day off on Thursday, the 26-year-old should have a good chance of returning for the final series of the year this weekend at Wrigley Field versus the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Cody Bellinger is starting at first base and is batting cleanup for the Cubs, with rookie Kevin Alcantara starting in right field and batting ninth in his big-league debut against Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez. In his first full season in 2024 with the Cubs, Busch has reached the 20-homer mark while batting .252/.335/.446 with a .780 OPS.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (arm) left Tuesday's contest early at Citizens Bank Park against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the second inning after being hit in the arm by a pitch in the second frame. Busch stayed in to run the bases but didn't come out following the half inning. Cody Bellinger moved from right field to first base, with Mike Tauchman entering the game in right field. It looked like Busch may have been hit in the elbow, but we'll know more once the team releases information on his status. The 26-year-old will likely have X-rays at the stadium, but even if he avoids any structural damage, he'll probably be in line for the day off on Wednesday. If it's a serious injury, Busch's season will be over. In his first full season in the big leagues with the Cubs this year, Busch produced 21 homers while hitting .252/.333/.446 with 65 RBI in 148 games played.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch was hot at the plate during Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. The left-handed slugger brought his pop with him to the plate as he blasted two home runs as part of a three-hit day. Busch knocked in three runs during this game to help the Cubbies get a much-needed win. The 26-year-old is now up to 20 home runs this season with four long balls in the month of September. Busch is looking like a solid long term option for the Cubs at first base, but we'll see what the team decides to do this offseason.
Michael Busch Goes Off On Monday Against Former Team
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch had a day at the plate in Monday's 10-4 win over his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, at Dodger Stadium. Busch finished 4-for-5 with a home run, double, three RBI and three runs scored in the series opener on the road. For Busch, his home run was his first since Aug. 7. He got off to a hot start early in his first season with the Cubs but hasn't been as good since, and he's also hitting just .217 (5-for-23) with his home run last night, a double, four RBI, three walks and three strikeouts in seven games since the calendar flipped to September. Since the All-Star break in mid-July, Busch is slashing .216/.298/.373 with five home runs, seven doubles, a triple, 19 RBI, 18 walks, 43 strikeouts and one stolen base in 171 trips to the plate over 44 games played. He has certainly not been as good for fantasy managers in deeper leagues in the second half in 2024.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch will take a seat ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. The lefty slugger will get the day off against a left-handed starting pitcher. The Cubs don't always platoon Busch, but they felt he needed a day off here. In his place, Patrick Wisdom will play first base and bat sixth versus southpaw Mitchell Parker. Normally, Wisdom is reliable against lefty pitching but is only hitting .219 with three home runs and 19 RBI against the southpaw this season. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help on Sunday.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch went 2-for-3 with a two-run shot in Saturday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The 26-year-old tallied his 15th round-tripper of the season in the opening frame by launching a two-run blast off Kyle Gibson which scored left fielder Ian Happ. This was his second long ball in as many games and third in the past week. Busch has performed very well in his first season as a full-time player. Through 106 games, the former first-round selection sits with a .260/.347/.462 line with 43 RBI and two swiped bags. Busch will be a popular play in DFS on Sunday night amid his power surge as he will face Cardinal right-hander Miles Mikolas who currently carries a hefty 4.99 ERA.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals. The lefty slugger will take a seat with left-hander Cole Ragans on the mound for KC. Busch isn't in a straight platoon situation but it's not shocking to see them resting him against a tough lefty such as Ragans. In his absence, Patrick Wisdom will cover first base and bat second on Sunday. Wisdom hits better off left-handed pitching and homered during their win on Saturday.
Justin Turner
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