The Chicago Cubs’ offense struggled mightily throughout the 2024 season, finishing in the bottom half of Major League Baseball in most offensive categories. For a team with World Series aspirations, that kind of production simply won’t cut it moving forward.
Despite the overall struggles, there were some bright spots, particularly in the form of young slugger Michael Busch. Busch, in his first full season with the Cubs, impressed with 21 home runs and a 118 OPS+, giving fans hope that he could be a cornerstone of the lineup for years to come.
However, as the Cubs look to improve their offense heading into 2025, there are questions about Busch’s long-term role with the team. While his production has been solid and his cost remains low, there are scenarios in which the Cubs may consider upgrading their lineup with a more proven bat. According to Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report, one name that could be on the Cubs’ radar is New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.
Tansey highlighted the Cubs as a potential landing spot for Alonso, pointing out that he would be an “upgrade” over Busch at first base. He noted Alonso’s consistent power production, stating, “The Cubs could use an upgrade over Michael Busch at first base. If they sign Alonso, they would have a formidable power duo in Alonso and Cody Bellinger. Alonso’s power dipped in 2024, but he still produced his fourth straight season with 30-plus home runs.”
Alonso’s proven track record, including four straight seasons with at least 30 home runs, makes him an attractive option for any team looking to add pop to its lineup. Since his MLB debut, he has established himself as one of the top power hitters in the game, and for a team like the Cubs that desperately needs more offense, he checks a lot of boxes.
However, the decision to potentially move on from Busch is not a straightforward one. While Alonso is undoubtedly a more proven hitter, Busch’s youth, upside, and affordability are major factors in his favor. There’s also the possibility that Busch, who is still developing, could surpass Alonso in the coming years. Betting on Busch’s future versus the immediate production of Alonso is a classic dilemma for a team in transition.
While signing Alonso would energize the Cubs fanbase and improve the team’s power numbers, committing the nearly $200 million that it would take to land him is a decision that must be weighed carefully. As Tansey pointed out, it’s not necessarily a need for the Cubs, but it’s also hard to turn down a player of Alonso’s caliber.
For now, the Cubs will have some tough decisions to make in the offseason. Michael Busch has shown enough promise to be a staple in the lineup, but if the Cubs want to fast-track their offensive overhaul, adding a player like Alonso could be the bold move they need to get back into contention.
