Michael Busch struggled in his limited opportunities with the Los Angeles Dodgers this past season, but still has a bright future ahead of him.
Although he hit just .167/.247/.292 in three separate stints at the Major League level, the 26-year-old continued to crush with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He batted a stellar .323/.431/.618 with 26 doubles, 27 home runs and 90 RBI for the Dodgers’ top Minor League affiliate.
Busch led the Pacific Coast League in slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging (1.049), and ranked in the top five in several other categories as well. He was named the 2023 PCL MVP and earned recognition as the top MLB prospect in the league.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Busch will be given every chance to earn a spot on the 2024 team, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I think for Michael Busch, he did everything he possibly could to knock the door down,” Friedman said. “He showed very clearly that he doesn’t belong in Triple-A, that he’s a major-league player. So he’ll have every opportunity to carve out a role and add to the talent we have on this team.”
As it currently stands, Busch will have a difficult time finding at-bats with the Dodgers next season as his primary positions in the infield are occupied by All-Star players.
However, L.A. could get creative and move Busch to the outfield as a way to find him more playing time. He played a combined three games in left field with the Dodgers and OKC this year.
The possibility of a trade also remains, which would clear the way for Busch to receive everyday at-bats with a new team. One report suggested the Dodgers could move Busch or Miguel Vargas for an established player.
Michael Busch headlines Dodgers prospects on Baseball America’s 2024 list
Busch was ranked as the top Dodgers prospect for the 2024 season by Baseball America, supplanting Diego Cartaya, who held the honor in each of the last two years.
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