Michael Busch - 6/10/22

Prospect spotlight on Dodgers' Michael Busch

Prospect Spotlight 🔦

Michael Busch, 2B (24) - L/R, 6' 1" / 210 - Dodgers (AAA)

• Born: 11/09/1997 in Inver Grove Heights, MN

• Draft: 2019, Los Angeles Dodgers, Round: 1, Overall Pick: 31

• College: North Carolina

The Dodgers selected Michael Busch 31st overall in the 2019 draft out of UNC Chapel Hill. At the time, this seemed like a bit of a reach for the Dodgers. Busch had slid down draft boards because of his inability to play the field, but the Dodgers took a shot on him hoping his bat would carry him no matter what his other limitations might be long-term. Despite his weaknesses, Busch can hit. He has plus power with natural loft to his swing. He’s shown an above-average ability to manipulate the barrel and both pull pitches inside with authority and drive well-located pitches on the outer-half into the gap.

Busch opened 2022 repeating AA but was quickly promoted after hitting .306/.445/.667 over the first 30 games of the season. After dominating in AA, it’s been a tough stretch for Busch, who since being promoted to Oklahoma City (AAA) on May 17th has gone just 15 for 74 (.203/.280/.351) with two homers while striking out in 34% of his plate appearances. Although he hit a walk-off double on Wednesday, he’s continued to struggle recently, striking out 12 times in his last 31 plate appearances (39%).