Ranking the 3 most valuable Cubs players in terms of their value heading into 2025

2. Michael Busch checked every box, emerged as a first base answer

Similar to Imanaga, the addition of Michael Busch looks better than ever with only days left in the 2024 campaign. Acquired from the Dodgers on the eve of Cubs Convention back in January, the former top prospect has blossomed on the North Side, giving the team its first legitimate first baseman since Anthony Rizzo.

Entering this week's matchup with the Phillies, Busch had already set a new Cubs rookie first basemaen home run record and was a 3.0 bWAR player, according to Baseball Reference. He overcame early-season defensive struggles at first to become a Gold Glove-caliber defender and figures to be a must-watch player next spring.

The only reason Busch isn't the top name on this list is he's, more or less, shown us what he is and what to expect consistently all year long. He's a legitimate defender with 25-30+ homer power who is capable of riding the waves a 162-game season brings. There could be more to his game as he settles in as a big-leaguer, but even if there isn't, there's a lot to like already.