Even a former Dodgers player is stealing headlines during World Series over Silver Slugger snub

In conjunction with Louisville Slugger, FanSided revealed the National League finalists for the 2025 Silver Slugger award on Wednesday. The three finalists at first base include Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves), Pete Alonso (New York Mets) and Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Freddie Freeman – but the omission of one former Dodgers first baseman from this list is generating plenty of debate.

Michael Busch, whom Los Angeles traded to the Chicago Cubs in January 2024, had the best offensive season of his young career in 2025. Cubs fans are taking issue with the fact that he was not among the Silver Slugger finalists at his position, noting that his power numbers in particular exceeded those of Olson, Alonso and Freeman. Clearly, the panel of NL managers and coaching staffs felt differently about how this should've settled.

Busch hit 34 home runs and added 90 RBI during the 2025 regular season, posting an OPS of .866. His advanced metrics suggest he hit the ball hard, too; his Statcast data shows an average exit velocity of 92.2 mph and a barrel rate of 17.1%.

Busch took a meaningful step in offensive production compared to previous seasons. He also beat out both Freeman and Olson in slugging percentage (.523) and home runs. So, on pure power and run production, he has a legitimate claim. Despite the solid numbers, however, there are a few reasons why Busch may have been passed over.

Cubs fans are arguing that former Dodgers first baseman Michael Busch was snubbed by Silver Slugger voters

The Silver Slugger is awarded to the best offensive producer at each position, as voted by MLB managers and coaches. Voters consider factors such as batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, RBI, hits, home runs and general offensive value.

Alonso had 38 home runs, 126 RBI and an OPS of .871, leading first basemen in several conventional categories. Freeman hit fewer homers (24), but had a considerably higher batting average at .295. Olson's batting average (.272) was also slightly higher than Busch's 261. With that competition, Busch’s numbers, while strong, may not have been regarded as elite by voters.

Freeman, Alonso and Olson are well-established and familiar to voters; they perhaps had stronger pre-season expectations or reputations. Busch, while rising, may still be “emerging” and less entrenched in the award radar. Sometimes, narrative and name recognition factor into awards like this.

Busch undoubtedly had a strong season and arguably deserves consideration. But given how close the finalists' numbers were – and given the weight voters assign to consistency, batting average, reputation and standout categories (especially RBI and home runs) – Busch fell just short of being among the top three NL first basemen in the eyes of the Silver Slugger voters.