Busch embracing athleticism at first base

This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

MESA, Ariz. -- Michael Busch has been using Spring Training as a testing ground for how he should approach playing first base. One task has been to use game situations to push himself incrementally farther from the bag in an effort to find his personal line in the dirt.

Especially against right-handed batters, Busch has continuously moved out of his comfort zone to find the spot where he feels confident he can help defend, while having enough time to hustle back to prepare for a throw. It is one area in which the Cubs believe they can utilize the versatility and athleticism Busch brings to the position.

“I've always wanted to gain that little advantage,” said Busch, the Cubs' No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline. “I'm just trying to feel how quick I can get over there, still giving our infielders [time], not having them wait around for me to get over there. That's been the kind of thing that I've been playing around with in some of these games.”

First base is not an entirely new position for the 26-year-old Busch, who was acquired via trade from the Dodgers on Jan. 11. He played at that spot for the bulk of his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina, but Los Angeles sent Busch down on a different path after taking him in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Busch began his professional career as a second baseman, but he started moving around over the next few years. The Dodgers mixed in first base again briefly in ‘21 and then added left field to the equation in ‘22. Last year, Busch mostly played third base between Triple-A Oklahoma City and a stint in the Majors.

Part of the issue was the Dodgers did not have a clear road to regular at-bats in the Majors for Busch. With the Cubs, who believe he is ready for the big leagues as an offensive performer, first base was wide open. Now, the task at hand is making the most of Busch’s infield background, while ironing out the intricacies of first base.

“He's super athletic,” said Cubs Major League coach Jonathan Mota, who works with the infielders. “When you look at his footwork, he’s just needed more and more reps. That was our focus, and then we've been adding more stuff to it.

“He can play third base. He can play second base. That's valuable for a first baseman who can move around. And the bat is real. He's doing a really good job.”

Not only does Mota believe Busch’s background could make him an athletic first baseman with great range, the coach feels the arm strength could also be an asset. With a pair of Gold Glovers up the middle in shortstop Dansby Swanson and second baseman Nico Hoerner, there are opportunities for some dynamic plays (and double plays).

Busch has enjoyed the process of getting to know the ins and outs of their style of play, too.

“That's definitely a part of it. Nothing crazy,” Busch said. “I mean, those guys are so good. And I think that's just one of the things that you just learn over time, what they do, what they like to do on certain balls. But at the end of the day, I mean, they're so good that it makes my job a little easier.”

Cubs manager Craig Counsell called Busch’s play at first base “steady and consistent” this spring. He added that the “instinctual plays” that happen in-game pose the biggest remaining challenge for the rookie as he keeps testing and adjusting and learning the nuances of the position.

“The reps in that are really important,” Counsell said. “And it’s a little bit more challenging to practice, frankly, something that happens in the game. … The experience he's getting there has been good, and I think he's passed those tests really well.”