Busch went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, an RBI and a run scored in Monday's 7-0 win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

After recording no extra-base hits over his first six games of the season, Busch now has four extra-base hits across his last six contests. The 27-year-old often sits against southpaws, but he's an effective hitter against righties, and Busch now has a strong .831 OPS for the year. He posted a .775 mark in 2024, which was his first season with the Cubs, along with 21 home runs and 65 RBI.

Busch is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

With lefty Kyle Hart taking the hill for San Diego, Busch will retreat to the bench. Platoon mate Justin Turner will step in for Busch at first base.

Busch is out of the lineup for Wednesday contest against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Southpaw Jeffrey Springs is on the bump for the Athletics, so the left-handed-hitting Busch will begin the series finale on the bench. Justin Turner will start at first base and bat cleanup for the Cubs.

Busch went 3-for-6 with a home run, two total runs and four total RBI against the Athletics in an 18-3 win Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Busch was one of four Chicago players with three or more hits in the offensive onslaught. He hit the first homer of the game for Chicago, knocking a two-run shot to right-center field in the first inning. The long ball was the first extra-base hit of the season for Busch, who had gone just 4-for-18 at the plate prior to Monday's big performance.

Busch is starting at first base and batting fourth in Monday's game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

After getting a day off Sunday against a southpaw, Busch slots back in as the Cubs' cleanup hitter. The 27-year-old is off to a mediocre start, as he's gone 4-for-21 with no extra-base hits or RBI through six contests, though he should see ample opportunities against righties to begin delivering some counting stats soon.

Busch is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty-hitting Busch will get his first game off of the season while the Diamondbacks send a southpaw (Eduardo Rodriguez) to the hill for a day game after a night game. Justin Turner will fill in for Busch at first base.

Busch went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI in Saturday's Cactus League game against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Busch is now 4-for-6 overall through two spring training appearances with three RBI. The 27-year-old is entrenched as Chicago's top option at first base, though the recent addition of Justin Turner gives the Cubs a veteran alternative. The two could work in a platoon to start the year with the lefty-hitting Busch serving on the strong side, but a prolonged slump by either player could swing playing time more in the opposite direction.

Busch could form a platoon with the newly signed Justin Turner at first base in 2025, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Busch, a left-handed hitter, would presumably be on the strong side of a platoon with Turner, who bats from the right side and would likely be deployed against southpaws. The veteran Turner is also an option to see time at DH. While Busch still appears to be locked into a fairly sizeable role, Turner represents an option with an extensive and successful body of work at the MLB level. If Busch gets off to a slow start, Turner could see his role grow at his teammate's expense.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer indicated Tuesday that Busch is not under consideration to play third base and will instead remain focused on first base, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs have an opening at the hot corner following the trade of Isaac Paredes and Busch has some experience at third base. However, the team views Busch as a potential Gold Glove-caliber first baseman and wants him to remain there. Top prospect Matt Shaw looks to be the current favorite to start at third base.

Busch went 0-for-1 with four walks during Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Reds in 10 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Busch didn't generate a hit in the final series of the regular season. going 0-for-7 across the three-game set against Cincinnati. However, he did walk four times in Sunday's regular-season finale. It was just his sixth game with multiple walks this season and set a career high in the category. The 26-year-old finishes 2024 with a .248/.335/.440 slash line, 21 home runs, 65 RBI and 73 runs scored.