Manager Confirms Cubs Prospect Will Get Chance To Make Opening Day Roster

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell says top prospect will have a chance to make the Opening Day roster.

The Chicago Cubs' offseason was quiet until they re-signed Cody Bellinger. Bellinger and Shota Imanaga were the big deals of the offseason, but other small moves could be a positive for the Cubs.

Michael Busch was traded to Chicago from the Los Angeles Dodgers in January, a surprise move that saw the Dodgers' No. 2 prospect traded.

The Cubs sent Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope in the deal which also returned Yency Almonte.

Busch will have a chance to win an Opening Day roster spot. He made his debut in 2023, slashing .167/.247/.292 for Los Angeles in 72 at-bats. 

However, he's shown plenty of promise in the minors, slashing .283/.390/.529 with 79 home runs in his career. If that power can translate to the big leagues, Chicago might have found themselves a star.

Manager Craig Counsell spoke about how Busch has earned these opportunities, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.

"We need performance from Michael. You earn those opportunities and we feel like he has earned it.”

Busch agreed with Counsell's comments, saying an opportunity is all you can ask for.

The 26-year-old left-handed hitter should feel confident in winning a job. Outside of three short stints at the big league level, Busch has produced every step of the way.

Counsell also says that having Bellinger in the lineup will help Busch by avoiding tough lefty matchups, as the former MVP will likely face those arms.

Spring Training will determine a lot for Busch and the early signs are promising.

He's 2-5 with a walk in his first two games.

If he can produce the way he has in the minors, Busch will win a job and be a regular in a Cubs' lineup that can use the help.