Cubs’ Infield Duo Shines Brightly in Postseason Despite Early Exit
The Chicago Cubs’ postseason journey came to an abrupt halt, as they were eliminated by their arch-rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, in the National League Division Series (NLDS). While the ending may not have been what fans envisioned, the team found solace in standout performances from a pair of infielders who made their playoff debuts. Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner emerged as unexpected stars, earning their spots on MLB writer Theo DeRosa’s list of top-20 playoff performers.
Unexpected Heroes in October
When thinking of key players in the Cubs’ playoff lineup, many would instinctively mention designated hitter Seiya Suzuki. However, it was the two infielders—Busch and Hoerner—who truly left their mark. Both players excelled at the plate, boasting impressive postseason statistics that elevated them among the league’s elite hitters. Neither Busch nor Hoerner finished a game with a slugging percentage under .500 or an OPS below .950. In a postseason where their pitching staff struggled, creating an early 2-0 deficit in the NLDS, these two players provided the offensive spark the Cubs desperately needed.
They stood out as the only members of the Cubs roster to achieve the trifecta of batting over .260, slugging above .400, and maintaining an OPS over .900. Their contributions were not just noteworthy on the Cubs, but they also ranked among the best in the entire league during the playoffs.
Michael Busch’s Impressive Debut
Busch, who is in only his third season at the major league level, showcased his talent on the big stage for the first time. By the conclusion of the Cubs’ eight playoff games, he had compiled a remarkable slash line of .296/.387/.741, resulting in an OPS of 1.128—tied for the fourth-best among all postseason hitters. His performance included four home runs, one of which was pivotal in securing a victory during the wild card round, along with four runs batted in and three walks.
Nico Hoerner Steps Up
Nico Hoerner, a homegrown talent who made his MLB debut in 2019, also seized the opportunity to shine in his first October experience. He was one of just four players in the playoffs to finish with a batting average exceeding .400, hitting an impressive .419. With strikeouts plaguing many of his teammates during the postseason, Hoerner’s discipline stood out; he recorded only two strikeouts in 31 plate appearances, a stark contrast to the double-digit strikeout totals posted by six other Cubs players.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As the Cubs reflect on their early exit from the postseason, the organization can take pride in the promising performances of Busch and Hoerner. With the potential departure of star player Kyle Tucker looming, both infielders will be crucial as the team seeks to maintain its offensive strength moving forward. If their postseason displays are any indication of their future capabilities, the Cubs may very well be in capable hands as they look to build on this season’s experience and emerge stronger in the coming years.
