{"id":135778,"date":"2026-01-07T08:04:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T08:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=135778"},"modified":"2026-01-07T08:04:53","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T08:04:53","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-mlb-prediction-michael-busch-set-to-achieve-major-career-milestone-in-2026-will-this-be-the-year-he-breaks-through-and-becomes-a-true-star-in-the-mlb-fans-are-on-the-edge-of-t","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=135778","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 MLB PREDICTION: Michael Busch Set to Achieve Major Career Milestone in 2026 \u2014 Will This Be the Year He Breaks Through and Becomes a True Star in the MLB? Fans Are On the Edge of Their Seats! \ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"

\ud83d\udea8 Michael Busch: The Cubs’ First Baseman Primed for His First All-Star Selection in 2026 \ud83d\udc47<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, all eyes will be on Michael Busch<\/strong>, the dynamic first baseman for the Chicago Cubs<\/strong>, who is on the cusp of earning his first-ever All-Star selection. After a breakout 2025 season where he hit a team-leading 34 home runs<\/strong> and showcased an impressive all-around game, Busch is finally starting to gain the recognition he deserves. Despite being one of the most powerful hitters in the National League last season, it’s hard to believe Busch has yet to be named an All-Star. But, according to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter<\/strong>, that could soon change, as Busch is among the top 10 players primed to become first-time All-Stars in 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Busch\u2019s Breakout 2025 Season: A Star in the Making<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 2025, Michael Busch<\/strong> emerged as one of the Cubs’ most consistent and powerful hitters. Spending much of the year in the leadoff spot, Busch slugged a team-high 34 home runs<\/strong>, proving that he can hit for both power and consistency. Despite the spotlight being on Kyle Tucker<\/strong> and Pete Crow-Armstrong<\/strong>, Busch\u2019s remarkable production did not go unnoticed. According to Reuter, Busch’s performance was a significant surprise, with his power and ability to contribute from the top of the lineup.<\/p>\n

For a player who has consistently flown under the radar, Busch\u2019s numbers in 2025 put him in the conversation among some of the best in the league. As Reuter pointed out, “Michael Busch slugged a team-high 34 home runs for the Cubs last season while spending most of the year hitting leadoff.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Strong Case for All-Star Status<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Busch’s stats in 2025 were not just good\u2014they were elite<\/em>. He ranked second in the NL<\/strong> in home runs with 34<\/strong>, just behind some of the biggest names in the game. His .523 slugging percentage<\/strong> and .866 OPS<\/strong> also placed him near the top of the leaderboard, proving that he wasn’t just a power hitter but also a consistent offensive force.<\/p>\n

Here’s how Busch performed in key offensive categories among NL first basemen<\/strong> in 2025:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    34 Home Runs<\/strong> \u2013 2nd<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    .523 Slugging Percentage<\/strong> \u2013 2nd<\/strong> (by just .001)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    .866 OPS<\/strong> \u2013 3rd<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    90 RBIs<\/strong> \u2013 3rd\/4th<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    78 Runs Scored<\/strong> \u2013 4th<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    .261 Batting Average<\/strong> \u2013 6th<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    56 Drawn Walks<\/strong> \u2013 5th<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    These numbers put him near the top of nearly every offensive category for first basemen in the NL, and they certainly make a strong argument for why Busch deserves an All-Star spot in 2026.<\/p>\n

    A Well-Rounded Player: The Case for Busch’s Gold Glove Potential<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    While his offensive performance was stellar, Busch didn\u2019t just excel at the plate\u2014he also brought strong defense to the field. One of the most encouraging signs of his growth as a player is his defense at first base, where he has developed into one of the top fielders in the league.<\/p>\n

    In 2025, Busch ranked among the NL first basemen<\/strong> in several defensive categories:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      Double Plays<\/strong> \u2013 3rd<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Assists<\/strong> \u2013 4th<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Putouts<\/strong> \u2013 4th<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Range Factor<\/strong> \u2013 4th<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      This impressive defensive performance suggests that Busch is on the verge of earning a Gold Glove<\/strong> award. His strong presence on both sides of the ball only adds to his case as one of the best first basemen in the National League.<\/p>\n

      \"Michael<\/p>\n

      A Bright Future: The Cubs’ New Star<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      At just 27 years old<\/strong>, Michael Busch<\/strong> is entering the prime of his career, and his 2025 season was just the beginning. With a 4.6 WAR<\/strong>, Busch posted the best of his young career, showing significant improvement across the board. His slash line<\/strong> has steadily improved each season, reflecting his development as an all-around player. Busch has now firmly established himself as one of the top first basemen in the league, and his combination of power, consistency, and defense makes him a formidable player for the Cubs in 2026.<\/p>\n

      Looking ahead, Busch is poised for a massive year<\/strong> in 2026, and he is sure to be one of the Cubs’ most important players as they aim to contend for a playoff spot. Whether it\u2019s his bat or his glove, Busch brings value on both ends, and with his continued growth<\/strong> and production<\/strong>, a first-time All-Star selection seems not just possible but inevitable.<\/p>\n

      Challenges Ahead: The Road to All-Star Selection<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      While Busch\u2019s talent and performance have earned him attention, it won\u2019t be easy for him to secure an All-Star spot in 2026. The competition for All-Star berths at first base in the National League<\/strong> is fierce. Busch will face stiff competition from established stars such as Bryce Harper<\/strong>, Freddie Freeman<\/strong>, and Matt Olson<\/strong>, who are already household names in the sport. However, if Busch continues to build on his 2025 performance and maintains his consistency, he could easily rise to the top and earn his first All-Star selection.<\/p>\n

      Given the level of competition, Busch will need to maintain his performance throughout the season and prove that his breakout 2025 campaign was no fluke. If he can continue to hit for power, get on base, and play strong defense, he will be in the conversation for an All-Star spot.<\/p>\n

      A Bright Future for the Cubs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      For the Chicago Cubs<\/strong>, Michael Busch represents the future. As the team looks to compete in the coming seasons, Busch will be a key player to build around. With Kyle Tucker<\/strong> and Pete Crow-Armstrong<\/strong> also making waves, the Cubs have a wealth of talent at their disposal. Busch\u2019s progression from a promising prospect to a legitimate All-Star contender<\/strong> is one of the most exciting developments for the Cubs\u2019 future.<\/p>\n

      Conclusion: Michael Busch\u2019s Time to Shine<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      After a stellar 2025 season, Michael Busch<\/strong> is primed for a first-time All-Star selection<\/strong> in 2026. His remarkable offensive numbers, coupled with his impressive defense at first base, make him one of the most exciting players in the National League. Though there is fierce competition at his position, Busch’s consistent growth and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball put him in a great position to make the All-Star roster.<\/p>\n

      \"Michael<\/p>\n

      As the Cubs look to the future, Michael Busch<\/strong> is a player to watch closely in 2026. Whether he secures his first All-Star selection or not, his presence on the Cubs will be felt for years to come, and his potential is limitless. Cubs fans are in for a thrilling ride as they watch their star first baseman continue to develop and reach new heights in his career.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      \ud83d\udea8 Michael Busch: The Cubs’ First Baseman Primed for His First All-Star Selection in 2026 \ud83d\udc47 As the 2026 MLB season approaches, all eyes will be on… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":135781,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8 MLB PREDICTION: Michael Busch Set to Achieve Major Career Milestone in 2026 \u2014 Will This Be the Year He Breaks Through and Becomes a True Star in the MLB? 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