Outlook Michael Busch
Michael Busch’s powerful breakout secures his future as a corner-infield cornerstone.
After being traded to the Cubs, Michael Busch immediately grabbed hold of the everyday starting role at first base. Playing his home games at Wrigley Field and slotted firmly into the middle of the order, the 28-year-old has established himself as a prominent run-producer. Given his secure playing time and age-28 prime, he enters the season as a highly stable option at a historically demanding fantasy position.
Our data strongly supports Busch's ability to provide impactful category contributions. Following a highly impressive 2025 campaign in which he slugged 38 home runs, our projection slates him for nearly 500 at-bats with 16 home runs and 50 RBIs. While his batting average is expected to hover around a neutral .247, his excellent walk rate keeps his on-base percentage hovering around a much more valuable .330, making him a major asset in OBP and points formats.
Busch's current ADP sits around pick 132, representing a solid value opportunity for managers looking to secure reliable power without paying an early-round premium. While he does not offer much speed, his secure volume and proven power profile make him an incredibly safe floor play with the clear ceiling of another 30-homer season if things break his way.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Michael Busch
Outlook Curtis Mead
Curtis Mead Primed to Bust Out of Mini-Slump in Favorable Matchups
Curtis Mead has hit a cold stretch over the last seven days, batting just .118 with a single home run, though his larger 30-day window remains highly productive with six homers and 14 RBIs. He continues to play nearly every day, holding down the starting role at third base for the third-place Nationals (37-35) who are currently riding a two-game winning streak.
While his recent slump is frustrating, Mead's overall 2026 line of 10 home runs and a .342 on-base percentage across 171 at-bats shows his power breakout is legitimate. Our models project him to flash that pop with another 10 homers and 42 RBIs over his next 80 projected at-bats, meaning his current slide is a temporary blip rather than a cause for concern.
The Nationals have a six-game slate this week, starting with a highly favorable home series against Kansas City where Mead will face vulnerable starters Mitch Spence (13.50 ERA) and Luinder Avila (6.19 ERA). While a weekend trip to Tampa Bay brings tougher matchups like Nick Martinez (2.43 ERA), Mead's strong track record against right-handers makes him an excellent lineup option. Weekly Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
