Former UNC baseball star Michael Busch dealt to Chicago Cubs in trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed with the Chicago Cubs in a trade that sends former Tar Heel third basemen Michael Busch to Chicago on Thursday afternoon. The Dodgers are also set to aquire former UNC baseball program commit Zyhir Hope in the deal.

Former @DiamondHeels standout Michael Busch heads to the Cubs in a trade involving former UNC commit Zyhir Hope.

Busch will get a chance to secure an everyday role in Chicago. https://t.co/EVxYPiJXNd
— Pat James (@patjames24) January 11, 2024

Busch has played with the Dodgers farm system since the organization drafted him with the 31st overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft. He spent his first four years with the Dodgers' minor league teams in Michigan, Arizona, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. His best season came in 2023 with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, where he hit .323, 27 home runs, and 90 RBIs in 98 games.

His strong performance in Oklahoma City allowed him to make his Major League Debut on April 25. Busch struggled for a little with the big league club, hitting just .167 in 27 games played. The trade allows Busch to get away from a crowded Dodgers infield and find a consistent role with the Chicago Cubs.

Busch had a successful three seasons with the UNC baseball program from 2017-19. He had a career batting average of .274 with 20 home runs and 113 RBIs in 583 career at-bats. Busch was the 21st-ranked prospect in the 2019 draft class in a class with Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr., and others. It will be interesting to see if the change of scenery leads to success in 2024 for Michael Busch.

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