Entering the 2023 season as one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top prospects, Michael Busch showcased his talent and dominance at the Triple-A level. However, despite his impressive performance, he struggled to find consistent playing time in the MLB.

Busch made his MLB debut on April 25, 2023, against the Pittsburgh Pirates after being called up from Oklahoma City. In that game, he recorded his first hit, an RBI, and drew a walk. However, after going 4-for-19 in his initial stint with the Dodgers, he was optioned back to Triple-A.

Throughout the 2023 season, Busch was recalled to the Dodgers two more times but struggled to find his rhythm with limited at-bats. He posted a batting average of.167/.247/.292 with three doubles, two home runs, and seven RBI in 27 games.

Meanwhile, at the Triple-A level, Busch displayed his offensive prowess and was honored as the Pacific Coast League MVP. He impressed with a batting line of.323/.431/.618, along with 26 doubles, four triples, 27 home runs, and 90 RBI in 98 games for Oklahoma City. He led the PCL in slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging (OPS), ranked second in batting average, third in on-base percentage, fourth in home runs, and fifth in RBI, extra-base hits, and total bases.

Moreover, Busch made a significant impact in the postseason, going 5-for-13 with two home runs to help Oklahoma City secure their first PCL title in over two decades.

Despite his offensive prowess, questions lingered about Busch’s defensive abilities and his ideal position on the field. Although he has experience playing at first base, second base, third base, and left field, his defensive limitations make him best suited for a designated hitter or first base.

These defensive concerns likely played a role in the Dodgers’ decision not to give him an everyday opportunity, ultimately leading to his trade to the Chicago Cubs during the offseason.

Highlighting his 2023 season, Busch hit his first MLB home run on August 24, 2023, against the Cleveland Guardians. He finished the game going 1-for-4 with two RBI. Additionally, on June 17, 2023, he went 2-for-3 with a double against the San Francisco Giants.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season with the Cubs, Busch is expected to receive regular playing time at first base. With his offensive potential highly regarded by projection systems and scouts, he has the opportunity to break out and make a significant impact for his new team.