Home / Sports / Cubs' Busch: From Powerhouse to Powerless?
Cubs' Busch: From Powerhouse to Powerless?
17 Apr
Summary
- Michael Busch's performance has declined significantly in 2026.
- His bat speed and exit velocity are in the lowest percentiles.
- Busch's defense has shown vast improvement despite offensive struggles.
The Chicago Cubs are experiencing a mediocre start to their 2026 season, struggling to meet high expectations.
First baseman Michael Busch, once a top prospect, has seen a dramatic decline in performance. After breakout seasons in 2024 and 2025, Busch is now hitting just .148 with no home runs in 61 at-bats for 2026.
Advanced metrics reveal a steep drop in Busch's offensive capabilities. His bat speed has decreased significantly, falling into the third percentile. This correlates with his average exit velocity being in the first percentile, and his expected slugging percentage is also alarmingly low.
Despite his offensive woes, Busch's defense has seen remarkable improvement, ranking in the 95th percentile for Outs Above Average. However, with other key players also struggling, the Cubs face a challenging season if Busch cannot regain his offensive form.
