Scouts View Cubs' New Acquisition As Long-Term Fit At Position Of Need

After the Chicago Cubs made an aggressive move to acquire a former top prospect, there are projections he can slide into their clear position of need.

The Chicago Cubs are off and running in January, hoping to salvage an offseason that had been underwhelming.

They were able to get a top starter on the market in Shota Imanaga, without having to hand out a monstrous contract.

This was seen as a move that could potentially kickstart their offseason, and it seems like that was the case.

Jed Hoyer made an aggressive trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers to bring back a veteran reliever and talented prospect who is Major League ready.

The move is exciting, especially considering the Cubs only gave up two Single-A prospects to get this done.

But after the initial celebration of landing a talented player like Michael Busch, the natural progression is how he fits onto the roster and how he factors into Chicago's future.

Despite having the designation of third baseman and playing 13 games there during his first stint in the Majors, scouts actually are viewing Busch as the Cubs' first baseman of the future.

"While listed as a third baseman, scouts see him as below-average at best at the position ... With that in mind, the expectation is that Busch will enter spring training as the team’s primary first baseman with a chance to move around the diamond," reports Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.

Alright, there's a lot to unpack coming out of this trade.

Does this mean they no longer are interested in Cody Bellinger after signing a lefty slugger in Busch, who can play first base? Are they now out on Rhys Hoskins who was seen as a likely fit? If Busch is not going to play third, would they still pursue Matt Chapman?

One thing is for certain, the 26-year-old was ranked as the Dodgers' second-best prospect in a farm system that is generally viewed very favorably.

Busch is ready to be a Major League player after hitting at a high level during his minor league tenure.

Chicago seems to think he fixes their issues at first base and will give him every opportunity to earn that role in Spring Training, unless they continue to make more additions to this roster.