The Chicago Cubs organization has made it quite clear that they are very happy with Michael Busch at first base. But could he still find himself moved aside for an established power-hitting veteran like Pete Alonso?
That’s the buzz created by a recent report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Per Heyman, regarding Alonso’s status as a still-available free agent:
“The Mets still make the most sense even though a gap exists now. After a 48-hour frenzy of 1B signings/trades (Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, Josh Naylor, Nathaniel Lowe), potential options include the Giants, Mariners, Rangers and Angels, and possibly the Cubs or Red Sox if they open up 1B via trade. But then, shouldn’t the Mets bring back the NL’s home run leader since 2019 to support their prized $765M pickup, Juan Soto?”
Pete Alonso To The Chicago Cubs?
That little quip was enough to start some speculation as to what may or may not be a possibility as the Cubs look to lock down and finalize their starting lineup ahead of the 2025 season.
By all accounts, the Cubs organization is beyond happy with Busch at first base.
Busch was acquired last offseason from the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with pitcher Yency Almonte, for pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope. A standout in the Dodgers minor league organization, the left-handed hitting Busch was considered a prospect without a viable major league spot with the Dodgers and, therefore, an expendable asset.
With the Cubs, though, Busch found his home at first base– a weak spot on the major league team, as well as within the minor league system.
Michael Busch Earned His First Base Spot
The 25-year-old responded well to the assignment, doing well with the bat and working hard to silence questions regarding his defensive prowess, eventually becoming an asset at first base and someone in serious consideration for a gold glove.
Per Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation:
“One of the things Cubs President Jed Hoyer said that I thought was particularly important to call out from today’s press conference [held just after Chicago acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker and before they traded Cody Bellinger to the Yankees] had to do with the plans for Michael Busch in 2025. Some fans, I think, had gotten a little too hopeful after the Kyle Tucker trade, and started looking back at Busch’s historical stats: Oh, hey, this guy has played a lot of third base and second base in the past, so why don’t the Cubs just put him at third base and keep Cody Bellinger at first base!? Maximum lineupppp!
…Hoyer was quite clear that the Cubs see Busch as their first baseman, and a very good one at that. In fact, Hoyer described Busch as a Gold-Glove-caliber first baseman, particularly after he adjusted to the relatively new position (the numbers back that assertion up, too). Hoyer made sure to note that, yes,
Busch can move around a little bit, and that has some value. But it was clear that Hoyer and the Cubs aren’t viewing Busch as a utility candidate or third base candidate or even second base candidate.”
In Alonso, though, the Cubs could add a legit 40-home run bat in the middle of the lineup. Busch, meanwhile, has the versatility to play several positions, including third base, which is currently manned by nobody.
It’s definitely a long shot, but one could see where the Cubs might have interest in Alonso.
Follow me on Twitter at @boxing_tribune, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Paul Magno via email at paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
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