Chicago Cubs fans have expressed subdued enthusiasm in this year’s All-Star Game voting, which isn’t surprising given the team’s current standings. After a soggy victory against the Angels this past Sunday, the Cubs are 11 games back from the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, and they’re holding on to a slim chance at a wild card playoff spot.
This year, the Cubs will send just one representative to the All-Star Game in Arlington: pitcher Shota Imanaga. Imanaga’s selection was independent of fan voting, which perhaps explains his inclusion over some of his teammates who might have warranted consideration based on their performances. Outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, along with pitcher Justin Steele—who recently threw a complete game—are some of the names that come to mind.
However, it is Michael Busch, the Cubs first baseman, whose omission from the All-Star roster seems particularly unjust. Despite ranking fourth among NL first basemen in weighted runs created plus (wRC+), he will not be participating, while the Mets’ Pete Alonso will make the trip to Texas.
It’s not that Alonso hasn’t performed; his home run numbers and RBIs are formidable as ever. However, Busch has kept pace despite less opportunity, given the struggles of the Cubs’ lineup to consistently generate hits and RBI opportunities.
This season Busch boasts a slash line of .264/.360/.449 with a 130 wRC+, while Alonso has a line of .243/.325/.467, translating to a 126 wRC+. Busch also outpaces Alonso in walk rate and shows a significant gap in defensive metrics, with Busch recorded at -2.2 defensive runs saved compared to Alonso’s -10.2.
Interestingly, both players find themselves overshadowed by Arizona’s Christian Walker, who leads with a 2.9 fWAR compared to Busch’s 1.9 and Alonso’s 1.2. Walker’s performance might be setting the benchmark for first basemen this season.
While rumors earlier this year linked Alonso to potential deals with the Cubs, it is Busch who is emerging as a key figure for the team’s future. Even though he may not be making an All-Star appearance this time, his burgeoning career suggests that Chicago may indeed have found their long-term answer at first base.
