Dodgers' Forgotten Prospect Finally Gets His Chance

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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The Long Road to the Majors: Tracing Michael Busch's Journey

Early Career and Initial Expectations

Michael Busch entered the Dodgers organization with high expectations, selected as a first-round pick. His early minor league statistics showed promise:

• 2019 (Rookie League): .290 batting average, 7 home runs, 24 RBIs in limited action. Showed a mature approach at the plate for his age.
• 2021 (High-A): Struggled with consistency, showing flashes of power but also striking out frequently. A shoulder injury limited his playing time.
• 2022 (AA): Improved his batting average and on-base percentage, demonstrating greater plate discipline. Showed growth in defensive skills.

He initially displayed exceptional bat control and a knack for hitting for average, but his power numbers lagged behind expectations. Scouts praised his baseball IQ and approach at the plate but noted concerns about his power potential.

Setbacks and Obstacles

Busch's progress wasn't linear. Several factors contributed to his delayed arrival in the majors:

• Shoulder Injury (2021): This injury significantly hampered his development, forcing him to miss a considerable amount of playing time and affecting his swing mechanics.
• Adjusting to Advanced Pitching: As he climbed the minor league ladder, he faced increasingly sophisticated pitching that exposed some weaknesses in his approach.
• Consistency Issues: Busch struggled to maintain consistent performance throughout his minor league career. He displayed flashes of brilliance but often followed up with periods of poor performance.

The Turning Point

The 2023 season marked a turning point for Busch. A revamped offseason training regimen focusing on strength and conditioning, combined with working with a new hitting coach who helped refine his swing, led to a significant improvement in his game:

• Improved Power: His home run total nearly doubled compared to previous seasons, showcasing increased bat speed and power.
• Reduced Strikeouts: He became more selective at the plate, leading to a significant decrease in strikeouts and a higher on-base percentage.
• Enhanced Defensive Skills: Consistent effort and coaching resulted in marked improvement in his fielding at second base.

These improvements earned him a call-up to the major leagues.

Analyzing Michael Busch's Skillset and Potential Impact on the Dodgers

Strengths and Weaknesses

Busch's skillset presents a compelling blend of potential and areas for further refinement:

• Strengths: Above-average bat control, improved power, developing defensive skills at second base, high baseball IQ.
• Weaknesses: Can still be prone to occasional slumps, needs to maintain consistency against high-velocity pitching, needs to further develop his baserunning.

Compared to other MLB second basemen, Busch's offensive profile is reminiscent of players like Whit Merrifield, known for their high batting averages and on-base percentages, though Busch's power potential is still developing.

Fitting into the Dodgers Roster

Busch's arrival adds depth to the Dodgers' infield. He could compete for playing time at second base or provide valuable utility infield cover.

• Potential Role: Backup second baseman, providing flexibility across multiple infield positions.
• Impact: His ability to hit for average and get on base could significantly contribute to the team's overall offensive production.

Long-Term Outlook

Busch's long-term outlook with the Dodgers is promising, provided he maintains his recent progress.

• Potential Future: Regular starter at second base, All-Star potential if he continues to develop his power and consistency.
• Comparison: His trajectory echoes that of other late-blooming Dodgers prospects who found success after overcoming early challenges.

His ability to adapt and improve, coupled with his evident talent, suggests a bright future in Los Angeles.

The Future is Bright for This Dodgers' Forgotten Prospect

Michael Busch's journey from a promising but struggling prospect to a potential contributor to the Los Angeles Dodgers is a testament to perseverance and hard work. His recent breakout performance highlights the unpredictable nature of player development in baseball. He's overcome injuries, consistency issues, and the pressure of high expectations to finally earn his shot in the majors. Keep an eye on this rising Dodgers prospect as he continues his journey. Don't miss the chance to witness this forgotten prospect's success! Follow Michael Busch's journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers and see if he can become a key component of their future success.