Michael Busch - 1/10/24

One of the strongest hitters in the Dodgers system and the minor leagues, Busch appears to be blocked at the highest level

Prospect Spotlight 🔦

Michael Busch – Age: 26 – B/T: L/R, 6’1” 210 – Dodgers (Triple-A)

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

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

• College: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

It’s a sign of the depth within the Dodgers’ system that Michael Busch is still considered a prospect. A first-round pick in 2019 out of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Busch has done nothing but hit upper minor league pitching the past two season. His performance at the plate has put him near the top of most prospect lists, but a lack of a defensive home has made it hard for him to carve out a full-time role with the Dodgers.

Dating back to his days at UNC Chapel Hill, defensive limitations were a concern. Busch was seen by many in the industry as a bat first guy, with some chance of playing second, but mostly sticking in a corner outfield spots or first base. On the Cape, Busch split time between first and second but was primarily a first baseman. At UNC during his junior year, Busch played an even mix of first base and left field.

As you may have figured out, the bat is what carries this profile, and for good reason. During his draft year at UNC, Busch recorded an impressive .284 / .435 / .547 slash line, with 16 home runs and a whopping 61/39 BB/K ratio in 312 plate appearances. Looking a bit closer, Busch showed a strong hit tool profile with chase and whiff rates at just 15%, evenly distributed across pitch types, while being reasonably patient at the plate (35% swing rate). He showed a favorable batted-ball profile, with a 1.26 GB/FB ratio and spray distribution that was largely pull heavy, but not so much that he was easily shiftable. Busch drew multiple comparisons to Max Muncy due to the advanced bat and questions surrounding the defense, so it wasn’t too surprising when the Dodgers selected him with the 31st pick in the draft.

After having his first year of pro ball delayed due to COVID, Busch made his debut in Double-A Tulsa, where he spent the entire 2021 season — hitting an impressive .267 / .386 / .484 (134 wRC+) with 20 home runs.