4 Cubs who drastically exceeded expectations in 2024

2. Michael Busch established himself as a legitimate answer at first base, both offensively and defensively

Last winter, Chicago acquired Michael Busch from the Dodgers, giving the former first-rounder his first real opportunity to play on an everyday basis. He settled in nicely for the Cubs, riding the ups and downs of 162 games as well as one can expect a rookie to, finishing the year with solid numbers across-the-board.

Busch appeared in all but 10 games for Chicago, putting up a 118 OPS+ with 28 doubles and 21 home runs. He even graded out above-average defensively, which is worth mentioning because it was his first full season playing at first base professionally.

If you go into 2025 with Busch as your everyday first baseman, no one is complaining. Now, if Hoyer somehow pulls off a trade for someone like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Busch is the odd man out, but I don't think anyone would be complaining. His good eye at the plate would make him valuable coming off the bench, and he has experience at multiple other positions, as well.