The Chicago Cubs have found themselves in an offensive hole early this season, being shut out twice and scoring fewer than three runs in eight of their last ten games. The lack of production has placed added pressure on a roster that has traditionally relied on a balanced attack.
A Slow Start for Busch
Michael Busch, the versatile infielder acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, opened the 2026 campaign with a .193/.295/.281 slash line and a 71 wRC+, numbers that suggested a player still searching for his rhythm at the plate.
May Turnaround
During the month of May, however, Busch’s performance flipped on its head. He posted a .317/.468/.567 line with a 190 wRC+, a stark contrast to his early-season figures and a clear indication that adjustments were taking hold.
His hard‑contact rate has nearly doubled, while his groundball percentage has slipped from 48.2% to 31.8%, resulting in a higher proportion of line drives and fly balls that are more likely to become extra‑base hits.
Metrics That Matter
Perhaps most telling is the reduction in his chase rate, which has dropped by roughly eight percentage points. The more selective approach has allowed him to make better decisions against both breaking pitches and fastballs.
Having been drafted and refined by Los Angeles before arriving in Chicago, Busch’s progression illustrates the impact of sustained coaching and a clear developmental pathway, factors that the Cubs hope will ripple through the rest of their lineup.
If the rest of the Cubs’ hitters can emulate the approach that has brought Busch success — prioritizing contact quality, reducing grounders, and staying disciplined — the team could see a marked improvement in run production and overall competitiveness.