Cubs May Have Unlocked Secret Weapon Leadoff Hitter
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Chicago Cubs almost certainly remember Anthony Rizzo's flaming hot streak in the leadoff spot in the order.
Former manager Joe Maddon experimented with Rizzo at the top and it paid off to the tune of four straight games with a leadoff home run back in 2018.
This season, it's current manager Craig Counsell's turn to experiment with another slugging first baseman and after just one game, it already paid off.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 13: Michael Busch #29 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 13, 2025 in New York City. The Cubs defeated...
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 13: Michael Busch #29 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 13, 2025 in New York City. The Cubs defeated the Yankees 4-1. MoreStruggles from usual leadoff man Ian Happ prompted Counsell to make a change atop the Cubs order.
Friday and Saturday, it was second baseman Nico Hoerner leading off against left-handers Carlos Rodon and Max Fried.
Sunday, it was first baseman Michael Busch leading off against Yankees right-hander Will Warren. Busch delivered in his new spot in the order and gave Chicago a 1-0 lead just two pitches into the game.
It was Busch's first-time hitting leadoff in his MLB career, so the homer was the first leadoff homer of his career. It gave the Cubs an early lead, and despite being tied 1-1 just an inning later, they never trailed in the game.
The decision to move Busch to the leadoff spot felt eerily similar to what Maddon did with Rizzo years ago. Put a guy that slugs and gets on base at the top of the order and see what happens.
It sure worked out pretty well and Counsell, usually a pretty stern face individual, cracked a bit of a smirk after Busch's at-bat to start the game.
Craig Counsell couldn't hide a smirk after Michael Busch's leadoff homer pic.twitter.com/JLVffSUuBX — Brendan Miller (@brendan_cubs) July 13, 2025
It appears that it will be Busch leading off against righties and Hoerner leading off against lefties when Chicago resumes play after the All-Star Break.
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