Although Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Michael Busch is ready to make an offensive impact at the Major League level, he is still considered a player without a set position.
Busch has spent most of his time at second base, but defense remains a concern. He seems best suited for a designated hitter role, but he is blocked on the Dodgers roster by J.D. Martinez and Will Smith at that spot.
The 25-year-old has also previously spent some time in left field, and a few games at first base. This season, Busch is going to see a lot of playing time at third base, along with more work at first base while with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, according to OKC broadcaster Alex Freedman:
Something I meant to mention yesterday but got lost in the Opening Day chaos:
Per OKC manager Travis Barbary, we're going to see Michael Busch work in quite a bit at 1B & 3B. Ideally will play him at a certain position for 3 straight days so he's not always bouncing around.
— Alex Freedman (@azfreedman) April 1, 2023
If Busch is able to increase his versatility, it would be easier for the Dodgers to call him up and fit him into the lineup. It also provides the potential that Busch could find a position that sticks with him.
Busch has put in a lot of work to improve his defense, but he still grades out as a 20 defender with potential to reach 30 on the 20-80 scale, according to FanGraphs, and a 40 fielder by MLB Pipeline.
If a DH role isn’t in Busch’s future, scouts believe he may be best suited for a first base role, where he would be blocked by Freddie Freeman, or with more work, he could possibly be passable in left field.
What is Michael Busch’s future with the Dodgers?
Busch has a lot of offensive skill with an above-average hit tool and power from the left side of the plate, but if he is unable to find a defensive role, the Dodgers may be best off trading him. The other option is he could be their future at the DH position once Martinez’s contract is up after the 2023 season.
It’s a similar situation to former Dodgers prospect Willie Calhoun, who was eventually traded to the Texas Rangers for Yu Darvish. However, Busch is projected to be a better hitter than Calhoun was, and he already has more versatility.
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