Carter Hawkins joined Jon Sciambi and Joe Girardi in the broadcast booth Tuesday night in the 3rd inning as the Cubs faced the Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field.

With Shota Imanaga on the mound and pitching well, Sciambi asked Hawkins to describe what he expected to get out of Imanaga during his first MLB season versus what the rookie southpaw has delivered thus far.

“I think its hard to say that he hasn’t overdelivered. It’s been super impressive, maybe one of the best pitchers in baseball,” Hawkins said during the Cubs’ 7-3 victory.

Imanaga continued to prove Hawkins right throughout the evening, as the rookie southpaw finished by tying his career high with 7 innings and 10 strikeouts. Imanaga improved to 9-2 on the season and the Cubs are 17-4 when he takes the mound.

Hawkins then discussed the acquisition of Michael Busch from the Dodgers, who has also impressed in adjusting through his first MLB season by putting up big numbers amongst all first basemen including ranking Top in WAR and Top 6 in OPS.

Hawkins credited Busch’s abilities at the plate along with all the tools he possesses offensively, but where he seemed to be most impressed was his growth and overall ability defensively.

“Over the course of the season, you can really feel that value and then seeing him get better defensively at first base has been really fun,” said Hawkins.

Busch singled, walked and scored a run in the Cubs’ win Tuesday night.

With the success that both Imanaga and Busch have had so far this season, Hawkins’ hope is that the Cubs have established two building blocks at first base and in the starting rotation for the future.

Check out the full Carter Hawkins interview on the Marquee Sports Network app.