Keeping It Heel
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2019 MLB Draft: Michael Busch gets selected by Dodgers

By Zack Pearson

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Los Angeles Dodgers hats and gloves are seen in the dugout before the start of Game Four of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Los Angeles Dodgers hats and gloves are seen in the dugout before the start of Game Four of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Infielder Michael Busch was the first UNC Baseball player to be selected in the 2019 MLB Draft as he heard his named called by the Los Angeles Dodgers

Junior first baseman Michael Busch is a big reason why the North Carolina Tar Heels won the 2019 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament and are now getting set to host a Super Regional in the NCAA Tournament.

Busch emerged as one of the best hitters in the conference during his junior year in 2018 for the Tar Heels and he’s continued that into 2019. So far this season, Busch is slashing .294/.442/.575 with 14 doubles, 16 home runs and 57 RBI for the Tar Heels as they prepare for the Super Regional round vs. Auburn this weekend.

But as Busch and the Tar Heels are getting ready, the first baseman learned where his future home in the game of baseball might be.

During the first round of Monday’s 2019 MLB Amateur Draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted the infielder 31st overall:

Busch was the first UNC player selected in the 2019 MLB Draft, although pitcher Tyler Baum would go a few picks later to the Oakland Athletics at No. 66 overall.

Going into the draft, MLB Pipeline had Busch as the No. 28 overall prospect with an overall grade of 50 on him. Here is what they wrote on the prospect for their scouting report:

"Busch makes it look easy at the plate. He has a smooth left-handed swing with plenty of bat speed and a patient, balanced approach that allows him to hammer balls to all fields. He should hit for average and power while drawing plenty of walks, and few college players in this Draft have a higher offensive ceiling or floor."

Busch might just be a tad bit undersized for a first baseman at the big league level so he could make the switch to second base where he played during the Cape Cod league. He even has some experience in left field, getting a chance out there earlier in the Spring.

The Dodgers are among the best teams in baseball as we are in the month of June and are looking to load up their farm system with hitters. Busch will prioritize the Super Regional this weekend but will likely sign with Los Angeles whenever the Tar Heels wrap up their season.

dark. Next. Tar Heels advance to Super Regionals

For more on Busch and other UNC Baseball players, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

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