As the Cubs embark on a new campaign with a new manager (Craig Counsell) at the helm, we answer 24 of the most pressing questions for the 2024 season.

MESA, Ariz. — For a few years the Cubs have searched for an answer to fill the Anthony Rizzo-sized hole at first base.

Since the lefty was dealt in 2021 at the trade deadline, the Cubs have tried a multitude of players at the position, and none have stuck.

They hope an offseason trade will remedy that.

When Michael Busch, a top 100 prospect, was acquired from the Dodgers in January, it initially seemed as though the Cubs might have found their third baseman. A few days later, the Cubs front office shared their plans for the lefty rookie.

“Our expectation is he’s on the Opening Day roster,” general manager Carter Hawkins said at Cubs Convention. “I think there’s obviously opportunity at first base that’s kinda the easy plug and play. He’s got a really good reviews defensively over there from our scouts that have seen him, from talking to the Dodgers, from obviously seeing him over there.”

All spring, Busch has been taking reps at first base, a position that he only played sparingly in the minors, but one that was his main spot in college when he became a first-round draft pick.

Now, Busch will have the runway to stake his claim as the Cubs’ first baseman of the future. The 26-year-old is expected to see the bulk of the playing time at the position in 2024, with Patrick Wisdom platooning for him on off days, or when a favorable left-handed pitching matchup dictates.

The first base picture did become a tad murkier when Cody Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs. Bellinger is expected to be the team’s Opening Day center fielder, but top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong will start the season at Triple-A and could be knocking on the door sooner rather than later.

If that’s the case it leaves the Cubs in predicament at first base: do they move Busch off the position to use Bellinger — a solid defender at the position — there?

“Cody has the ability to move positions, other players have the ability to move positions,” manager Craig Counsell said. “That’s one of those good problems. We’ll figure the answer out to that question. If Pete says like, ‘I’m good enough and need to be in the lineup.’ You figure out the answer to that question.

“And I think we have enough flexibility to answer that question.”

But make no mistake, Busch will be the Cubs first baseman in 2024, with the runway and hope that he can fill the Rizzo-sized hole.

24 for ’24 series

What are the Cubs expecting from Kyle Hendricks in 2024 and beyond?
What role will Drew Smyly fill on the 2024 Cubs?
How will Jameson Taillon fare in Year 2 with Cubs?
How will Shota Imanaga handle the adjustment to MLB?
Who will DH for the Cubs?
Who is the Cubs’ fifth starter?
Will defense once again be the Cubs’ strength?
Can Seiya Suzuki pick up where he left off? 
What are the Cubs’ long-term plans at first base?
Have the Cubs done enough to address their left-handed hitting?
Will Justin Steele replicate his stellar 2023 season?