Michael Busch discovered the secret sauce to success, and it's simpler than you think: routine! His incredible postseason run last year, where he blasted four home runs and showcased a fantastic slash line of .296/.387/.741 in just eight games, wasn't just luck. It was a testament to the power of sticking to a plan, a lesson he learned from his former coach at the University of North Carolina, Mike Fox.
Busch shared, "In the postseason, there’s so many emotions and looking forward to things or you’re at bats or whatever, but trusting your routine was probably the biggest takeaway for me, that it really does help and it helps you focus when your mind doesn’t want you to focus." It's a powerful reminder that even in the high-stakes world of professional baseball, consistency can be your greatest ally. And this is the part most people miss: the mental game is just as crucial as the physical one!
The Chicago Cubs are banking on Busch, now 28 years old, to be a cornerstone of their lineup again this year. While he might not have the same household name recognition as some of his teammates, his value to the team is undeniable as he heads into his third full season in the majors. He commented, "It’s kind of easy to fly under the radar, but I don’t know, I don’t really try to get too caught up in that stuff. I really feel like as a group, this year we’re going to have a similar lineup, we’re going to give ourselves a good opportunity to produce just as well as we did last year."
Busch isn't resting on his laurels. This offseason, he's been fine-tuning his approach at the plate, adjusting his stance to get a better look at pitches in the heart of the zone. The Cubs would be thrilled if he replicated his 147 OPS+ from last year, but Busch is aiming even higher. His next big challenge? Tackling left-handed pitchers more effectively.
To prepare for this, Busch has been utilizing innovative tools like the Trajekt Arc machine. This technology simulates how a baseball looks coming out of a pitcher's hand, allowing him to practice against the unique angles of lefties. "Just getting in uncomfortable situations with a little bit of angle, like a lefty, or honestly, whatever you’re trying to get out of it, can kind of get you into a game situation," he explained. "You can kind of test and challenge yourself a little bit. And I think for me, that’s been one of the things that has helped me grow as a hitter."
He's also been working closely with the Cubs' hitting coaches, exploring both mechanical adjustments and strategic approaches. Busch noted, "One thing is just working hard with the hitting coaches, trying to figure out ways, mechanically, or even just approach-wise. I’ve always had a good awareness of the zone of, my numbers from my chase and swing and miss, are around the same as righties. So, I didn’t really want to toggle with too much of the stuff, but I’m trying to find a little something to maybe just help me to perform a little better against lefties."
But here's where it gets controversial... While Busch's offensive numbers were stellar last season, with 34 home runs and an .866 OPS, he achieved this despite having the seventh-most plate appearances on the team. Manager Craig Counsell plans to increase his playing time, especially against lefties, a move that could significantly boost his overall production. This raises the question: Is it fair to expect a player who has historically had fewer opportunities to suddenly become a dominant force against all pitchers?
Manager Craig Counsell is confident in Busch's readiness, stating, "It’s an impressive year. And I think it’s just a sign of someone who’s earned it, and now you’ve got to prove it." This sentiment is understandable, but it also places a significant expectation on Busch. What are your thoughts? Do you believe Busch is poised for an even bigger year, or are there lingering doubts about his ability to consistently perform against tougher matchups? Let us know in the comments below!
