Former North Carolina baseball standout Michael Busch has a new home for the 2024 MLB season. After being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of UNC, Busch is now heading to the Windy City.
On Thursday, Busch was traded to the Chicago Cubs as part of a package that saw the Dodgers also traded right-handed pitcher Yency Almonte to the Windy City while receiving left-handed pitcher Jackson Ferris and minor league outfielder Zyhir Hope.
The 26-year-old Busch spent most of last season in Triple-A where he hit 27 home runs. He did make an appearance in 27 major league games for the Dodgers but never found his groove.
Busch really didn’t have a set position with the Dodgers, haunting his progress to the majors. But with this trade, Busch could be the answer for the Cubs at third base and gives them a power left-handed bat.
Full trade: The Chicago Cubs are acquiring third baseman Michael Busch and reliever Yency Almonte from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for a pair of toolsy teenaged prospects, left-handed starter Jackson Ferris and outfielder Zyhir Hope, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 11, 2024
While at Triple-A, Busch slashed .323/.431/.618. He was considered one of the top prospects for the Dodgers in their organization.
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