After failing to sign first-round selection J.T. Ginn last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers were received the No. 31 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft as compensation. They used it on Michael Busch out of North Carolina.
Busch played first base throughout his collegiate career but was drafted by the Dodgers as a second baseman. That earned him comparisons to Max Muncy, particularly with Busch also being a left-handed hitter.
He was part of a heavy emphasis the Dodgers made on selecting college players. Busch followed Tulane third baseman Kody Hoese, who the Dodgers drafted No. 25 overall.
The team has announced the signing of several of their draft picks over multiple waves, and Busch was not among them. However, he and the Dodgers are reportedly advancing toward a deal, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Hearing Michael Busch and the Dodgers are progressing in talks and will have a deal. Busch, the UNC 1B (but projected to be 2B for Dodgers), was pick No. 31, awarded for failing to sign JT Ginn, now pitching for Mississippi St.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 4, 2019
The No. 31 pick in this year’s Draft comes with a $2,312,000 value. The Dodgers have managed to remain under slot value for most of their signings.
Busch regressed some from his sophomore year, though still hit a productive .294/.442/.575 with 14 doubles, 16 home runs and 57 RBI last season. Along with first base and second base, he also has experience playing left field.
“Michael is a guy who we thought was one of the better bats in the Cape, both in terms of performance and swing, as well as overall defensive versatility,” Dodgers scouting director Billy Gasparino said.
“He’s been a staple in the UNC program. They rave about his makeup and his character, and we’re excited to add him to our organization.”
The Dodgers overall made a total of 41 selections in the 2019 MLB Draft — 34 of which were college players. Their picks comprised of 20 pitchers (12 right-handers, eight left-handers), 10 outfielders, nine infielders and two catchers.
