Michael Busch began the season with a very weak offensive stretch, producing a low batting line and poor contact-quality indicators through his first 15 games. After that start, his performance improved substantially and has remained strong for an extended period. Busch reached base in a 19-game streak, totaling 41 times on 85 plate appearances with 19 hits, 20 walks, and two hit-by-pitches while striking out only 17 times. Over his last 147 plate appearances beginning April 13, he slashed .288/.422/.483 with nine doubles, a triple, four home runs, and a 17% walk rate. His wRC+ and WAR rank among the better marks in MLB, and his barrel rate rose sharply from 4.9% early to 15.1%, near his prior elite level.
"Through his first 15 games of the year (60 PAs), Busch slashed just .135/.233/.173 (23 wRC+), with even more concerning metrics in the contact quality department."
"First and foremost, you should note that Michael Busch is rocking a 19-game on-base streak dating back to April 28. In those 85 plate appearances, Busch has reached base a staggering 41(!) times, including 19 hits, 20 walks, and two HBP. And all that with only 17 Ks and just one double-play."
"Indeed, over his last 147 plate appearances spanning 32 games, the Cubs first baseman has slashed .288/.422/.483. That includes nine doubles, a triple, four homers, and a ridiculous 17% walk rate. His 159 wRC+ over that stretch ranks 16th best in MLB, one spot ahead of Bobby Witt Jr. And his overall 1.5 WAR since that date is tied for 10th best in MLB."
"More impressively - and importantly - Busch's barrel rate shot up to 15.1% after sitting at just 4.9% through that first stretch to start the year. For reference, Busch finished last season with an elite 17.1% barrel rate. League average is 8.6%. So this is a massive, critical improvement for him."
Read at Bleacher Nation
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