The Chicago Cubs remain legitimate contenders in the National League as we gear up for the 2026 MLB season. With one of the most well rounded rosters in he league, Chicago’s top prospect has been tabbed as a player to watch this season.
Jim Bowden, former MLB executive of the year and current baseball writer for “The Athletic,” listed Cubs‘ rookie Moisés Ballesteros as one of the top 20 rookies poised to make an impact in the MLB this season.
Ballesteros, 22, made his MLB debut last season, playing in 20 games for the Cubs. He sported a .298 batting average in his 57 at-bats, while hitting two home runs and driving in 11 runs.
After five seasons rising through the minor leagues, Ballesteros is ready for an everyday role at the MLB level. He is one of the best natural hitters in this rookie class and has above average MLB power. He has a real shot to be Chicago’s everyday DH with the ability to catch and play first base if needed.
Bowden Lists Cubs’ Ballesteros as Breakout Candidate
Ballesteros played in 20 games for the Cubs last season, but his AAA stats were well above average before he got called up late in the season. In 114 games with the Iowa Cubs, Ballesteros hit .316 with 13 homers and 76 RBI; he sported an OPS of .858 and only struck out 67 times.
“Ballesteros has a “hit” tool that is going to carry him, as he’s one of the most advanced hitters in this rookie class,” Bowden wrote for “The Athletic.” “He has above-average bat-to-ball skills and can hit all types of pitches, including high velocity, sharp breaking balls and off-speed offerings. He’ll use the entire field to hit line drives with elite exit velocity. His raw power far out-paces his in-game power to date, but the homers will come in time.”
In his 466 minor league games, Ballesteros has 59 career home runs. That may seem low for someone with above average projected power, but just remember that Ballesteros won’t turn 23 until after the 2026 season. He made his MLB debut at 21 and already showed his ability; his best days are still in front of him.
Cubs High on Ballesteros as Season Approaches
Not only does Ballesteros have the external support of fans and reporters, but the Cubs themselves are very high on the young prospect.
“[Ballesteros] is a natural hitter with a knack for finding barrels and a mature approach that is beyond his age,” Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said. “We think he can catch in the big leagues as well and have high expectations for his future.”
The big knock on Ballesteros is his fielding, at both first base and behind the plate. His official scouting report has his fielding listed at a 40 on the 20-80 scale, which effectively means below average.
But that is ok, at least for this iteration of the Cubs, who are very deep in the field, especially at the two positions Ballesteros plays. At catcher, he’s behind Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya on the depth chart and at first he’s behind Michael Busch.
He could very well be the everyday DH though, if he performs well in this spring training.
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