3 Best Internal Options to Start at First Base for Cubs on Opening Day
One thing that is sure when it comes to the Cubs first base situation is that they have options. But who’s the best fit for them?
I think all Chicago Cubs fans hope that Cody Bellinger is wearing Cubbie blue come opening day, myself included, but what if that's not the case? One of the biggest question marks coming into this off-season was first base, and here are the three guys who could be there come opening day.
1. Michael Busch
The Cubs have been fairly quiet this off-season when it comes to the big league roster, but they have made a handful of moves to improve, one of those moves being a trade that included infield prospect Michael Busch. Busch was a highly-rated prospect in the Dodger farm system and had a small stint in the majors in 2023.
He played 27 games with the big league club, only 4 though at the first base position. Even in his minor league career, he's only been at first 18 times, but only has 1 error in his 22 games played there. While the sample size is small on the defensive side, Busch has proved he can swing it. Over his minor league career, he's slashed a .283/.390/.529.
GM Jed Hoyer had this so say about the exciting new prospect:
"(Busch) is certainly going to play, How the rest of the offseason plays out, we’ll see. But yeah, that's been the mindset - that I think first base is the most natural spot for him."
- Jed Hoyer
After hearing Jed say that about Busch, and the offensive numbers he’s put up in his minor league career, it makes me feel like he’s the favorite to be at first base on opening day.