Mike Maher labeled Michael Busch a classic sell‑high. Busch is mashing early while batting cleanup, yet Maher pointed out a glaring platoon issue: the lefty owns only one career homer versus southpaws and is slashing poorly against them again this season. Because of that, Maher expects Chicago to keep sitting him against most left‑handers, eroding counting‑stat volume—especially crippling for weekly‑lineup formats where managers cannot swap him out. With fantasy GMs enamored by Busch’s hot start and RBI spot in the order, Maher recommends flipping him now before the inevitable playing‑time haircut drags his value back to mid‑tier corner‑infield status.

Joe Orrico placed Michael Busch ahead of Spencer Torkelson for rest‑of‑season value, calling the debate "close, but give me Busch." Orrico just ran the underlying numbers on Torkelson and expects a repeat of his 2023 line—roughly 30 homers and 90 RBI—but pointed out that Busch is already showing similar power with the added benefit of hitting in a far deeper Cubs lineup. Chicago currently projects a top‑10 run total while Detroit sits bottom‑five, so Busch should out‑pace Torque in runs and RBI despite comparable long‑ball totals. Orrico’s actionable takeaway: if you have room for only one corner bat, roster Busch; if you already have Torque, consider flipping him for Busch plus a sweetener while the market still values Torkelson’s name recognition.

Joe Orrico placed Michael Busch ahead of Spencer Torkelson for rest‑of‑season value, calling the debate "close, but give me Busch." Orrico just ran the underlying numbers on Torkelson and expects a repeat of his 2023 line—roughly 30 homers and 90 RBI—but pointed out that Busch is already showing similar power with the added benefit of hitting in a far deeper Cubs lineup. Chicago currently projects a top‑10 run total while Detroit sits bottom‑five, so Busch should out‑pace Torque in runs and RBI despite comparable long‑ball totals. Orrico’s actionable takeaway: if you have room for only one corner bat, roster Busch; if you already have Torque, consider flipping him for Busch plus a sweetener while the market still values Torkelson’s name recognition.