In a move that has stunned the baseball world, the St. Louis Cardinals are set to acquire highly-touted prospect Michael Busch from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for a package of prospects. This trade will see Busch take over the second base position, replacing Nolan Gorman, as the Cardinals look to reshape their infield for the future.
Why Michael Busch?
Michael Busch, a former first-round pick of the Dodgers in 2019, has impressed at every level of the minors with a combination of power and patience at the plate. The Cardinals’ front office believes that Busch’s bat and approach at the plate make him the ideal candidate to step into Gorman’s spot at second base. Here’s why this trade makes sense for St. Louis:
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Elite Bat-to-Ball Skills and Power Potential
Busch’s offensive profile is one that has drawn rave reviews throughout his minor league career. A consistent hitter with plus power, Busch has the ability to hit for both average and power, posting impressive numbers in the high minors. In 2023, at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Busch slashed .270/.379/.514 with 28 home runs and 86 RBIs in 125 games. His combination of plate discipline and raw power gives the Cardinals a much-needed boost in the middle of the lineup, something that Nolan Gorman struggled to consistently provide with his strikeout-heavy approach. -
Strong Plate Discipline
One of the biggest advantages of Busch over Gorman is his advanced plate discipline. While Gorman has shown considerable power, his tendency to strike out at high rates (over 30% in 2023) has led to some inconsistency. Busch, on the other hand, has posted strong on-base percentages throughout his career, showcasing an ability to work counts and draw walks. His .379 OBP in Triple-A last year is an indication of his advanced approach, which fits perfectly with the Cardinals’ desire to become a more balanced and disciplined lineup. -
A High Ceiling as a Hitter
Busch’s ceiling as a hitter is arguably higher than Gorman’s, especially when considering Busch’s ability to make consistent contact and adjust to different pitchers. While Gorman’s power is undeniable, Busch has the potential to hit for a higher average while still providing significant power. His offensive profile is exactly what the Cardinals are looking for as they move towards a more well-rounded lineup with fewer swing-and-miss issues. -
Defensive Ability at Second Base
While Busch is not as celebrated for his defense as he is for his bat, he has proven to be capable at second base, where he has spent much of his time in the minors. His range and ability to turn double plays are solid, though he’s not regarded as an elite defender at the position. However, the Cardinals are banking on his bat to more than compensate for any defensive shortcomings. Additionally, Busch has experience at first base and third base, which provides the Cardinals with flexibility if they decide to move him around the infield in the future.
Gorman’s Departure and Busch’s Opportunity
Nolan Gorman, who was a key part of the Cardinals’ infield for the past few seasons, has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with his power bat. However, the team has struggled with his inconsistency, particularly in terms of his strikeout rate and his defensive growth. The Cardinals’ front office has determined that the future of their infield lies in a more balanced approach, and they believe Busch’s more refined offensive skill set is the answer.
This trade signals a shift in the Cardinals’ philosophy, moving away from a raw power hitter in Gorman to a more polished offensive player in Busch, who can hit for average, get on base, and still provide power. The decision is also indicative of a long-term vision for the team, as Busch is considered one of the top young talents in the Dodgers’ system.
The Dodgers’ Perspective
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, have agreed to send Busch to St. Louis in exchange for a combination of top-tier prospects. While the Dodgers may be parting with one of their top young hitters, they are looking to add depth to their pitching staff and continue building for the future.
For Busch, this trade represents a fresh start with the Cardinals, where he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his skills at the major league level. With the Dodgers’ roster already full of established stars, Busch might not have had the same opportunities to crack the starting lineup in Los Angeles, making St. Louis a great landing spot for his career.
A New Era for the Cardinals
The arrival of Michael Busch marks the beginning of a new era for the St. Louis Cardinals. By moving Gorman and bringing in Busch, the team is signaling its intent to compete at a high level while investing in a more balanced and consistent offense. Busch’s advanced plate discipline, ability to hit for both average and power, and his potential at second base provide the Cardinals with the right mix of skills to push the team forward.
As Busch transitions into his new role, all eyes will be on how quickly he adjusts to the major leagues and whether he can provide the offensive spark the Cardinals need to push deeper into the postseason race.
What’s Next for Gorman?
As for Nolan Gorman, his future remains bright. Despite his struggles, his power potential is still widely regarded, and he should have no trouble finding a new team that values his bat. Gorman’s departure could pave the way for his development in a new environment, where he might get a more consistent opportunity to refine his hitting approach.
With the trade officially in place, the St. Louis Cardinals have made a significant move towards reshaping their infield and offense. Michael Busch’s arrival is sure to excite fans as they look ahead to a new chapter for the team.
