Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch achieved a significant milestone on Saturday in Cincinnati by hitting his 30th home run of the season. This accomplishment places Busch in a distinguished lineup of Cubs legends, as he becomes the fifth primary first baseman in the franchise’s history to reach this mark in a single season. He joins illustrious company including Anthony Rizzo, Derrek Lee, Fred McGriff, and Ernie Banks.
Despite the Cubs’ 6-3 loss to the Reds, Busch expressed pride in his achievement, emphasizing its contribution to the team’s overall goals. The last Cubs first baseman to hit 30 home runs was Rizzo in 2017, who accomplished this feat for four consecutive seasons starting in 2014. Fred McGriff, Ernie Banks, and recent Cubs Hall of Fame inductee Derrek Lee also had notable home run records during their time with the Cubs.
Michael Busch has exceeded expectations since being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season. Originally viewed as a third baseman, the Cubs transitioned him to first base, where he has flourished. In 2024, Busch demonstrated his capabilities with a .248/.335/.440 slash line, hitting 21 home runs, which tied for the second-most on the team. His performance solidified his position as a key player for the Cubs.
In 2025, Busch has continued to impress, boasting a .833 OPS, which is the second-best on the team. He ranks prominently among all MLB first basemen with his home run and RBI stats. Highlighting his standout season, Busch was named NL Player of the Week in July, punctuated by his three-home run game at Wrigley Field, a feat not achieved by a Cub in over a decade.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell commended Busch’s development and his remarkable season, noting the significance of reaching the 30-home run milestone. Busch’s growth as a player and his contributions to the team are promising signs for the Cubs as they look forward to future successes.
Michael Busch’s progress and success at the plate underscore the potential within the Cubs’ roster and provide a hopeful outlook for continued improvement in the coming seasons.