Chicago Cubs: Is it time to reconsider Michael Busch at first base?

The Chicago Cubs have a lot to do this offseason. Their clear and painfully obvious pitching needs remain the top priority, of course. They will also, however, have to make big decisions regarding their every day corner outfielders, their starting catcher, and their bench as free agency threatens to bring about a mass exodus in veteran assets.

More News: Report: Chicago Cubs had major deadline trade nixed at last minute

There’s one area, though, that deserves notice, but is currently getting little-to-no attention—first base.

In 2025, Michael Busch absolutely earned starting first baseman status. The former Dodgers prospect played flawless defense in his second full season in the majors and came alive with the bat, slashing .261/.343/.523 with 34 home runs and 90 RBIs over 155 games.

But 2026 was a letdown. While still stellar with the glove, the 28-year-old’s offensive stats came way down to earth. He hit only 20 home runs and posted only 77 RBIs through 160 games. His batting average dipped down to .242 and his slugging percentage plummeted down to .393.

Michael Busch’s power outage

More News: Chicago Cubs under-the-radar trade idea could pay off big-time

Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly attributed some of Busch’s power dip to an over focus on taking pitches and drawing walks at the expense of swinging at hittable pitches. Busch drew 92 bases on balls in 2026 as opposed to 56 in 2025.

“He’s walking probably more than he should be at times,” Kelly told The Athletic. “We want him taking more chances. Getting the barrel out front and being more aggressive.”

Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic posted some 2026 Busch numbers that seemed to prove Kelly’s assertion:

“Busch’s walk rate jumped 3.5 points to 13 percent, and Kelly was right, Busch was a little less aggressive in hitter’s counts. In 3-1 and 2-0 counts, Busch swung 34 percent of the time in 2026, down from 47 percent in 2025.”

Busch also found himself pulling the ball less than the year prior.

The need for a Plan B at first base

Whatever the cause, his diminished offensive output is enough to once again push the Cubs to consider a platoon partner for him or, at the very least, a solid first base backup to spell him on occasion. The issue is especially concerning as the bats of Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly, and Ian Happ could all be lost to free agency this offseason.

After having dealt top first base prospect Jonathon Long at the trade deadline, there’s not much potential Busch backup in the minors right now. So, free agency would have to be the source for any first base Plan B.

The name Paul Goldschmidt has been brought up by media on several occasions this offseason. The 39-year-old will be headed into free agency this winter, intent on playing at least one more season. The Yankees will likely opt to not re-sign him, even though he will probably be available on a contract similar to the one-year, $4 million deal he signed prior to the 2026 season.

The 16-year-veteran still has pop—hitting 18 home runs in a platoon situation, mostly against left-handed pitching—and can still play a very solid first base. On paper, he’d appear to be the perfect fit for the Cubs’ needs.

Several other first basemen will also be on the market this winter/spring, with names such as Rhys Hoskins and Ryan Mountcastle likely to be available at a discount price for a backup role.

The Cubs could also just roll the dice on a big-time Busch comeback in 2027—something which will probably be the route they take.

The post Chicago Cubs: Is it time to reconsider Michael Busch at first base? appeared first on ChiCitySports.