The Chicago Cubs are in a crucial phase of their season, and one position that has been a concern is the catcher role. While the Cubs have made a recent move to address it, another exciting option is emerging from the minor league system. Moises Ballesteros, currently playing at Triple-A Iowa, has been making waves with his impressive performance. Here’s a look at his journey and the possibility of him joining the big league club.
Moises Ballesteros’ Impressive Rise
Let’s go back to last season. Ballesteros hit a robust .274/.394/.457 line with eight home runs and 32 RBI at Low-A Myrtle Beach. He was promoted midseason to High-A South Bend where he continued his dominance, hitting .300/.364/.463 with six home runs and 31 RBI. Ballesteros was named the Cubs’ Minor League Player of the Year before the Cubs moved him to Double-A Tennessee at the tail end of the season.
Ballesteros has been turning heads since his signing by the Chicago Cubs before the 2021 season at 17. Since then, he has made steady progress through the minor league ranks.
No. 24 prospect Moises Ballesteros starts off Road to Wrigley with a homer for South Bend! pic.twitter.com/0EaK9LO1rP
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 21, 2023
Progressing Quickly Through Double-A and Triple-A
Ballesteros started the season at Double-A Tennessee, where he showcased his skills with a .307/.372/.509 line, 10 home runs and 44 RBI. His performance on both sides of the field earned him a promotion to Triple-A Iowa. Although he has only played six games at that level, Ballesteros has already demonstrated his potential with early success. He’s hitting .367/.404/.531 in 49 at-bats with Iowa and was named the Cubs’ midseason MVP. The young catcher is getting attention not just in Chicago but throughout MLB. He’s gone from number six to number five on the Cubs and from 89 to 61 among MLB Top Prospects.
Here’s the first Triple-A homer for Moises Ballesteros. 427 foot shot to dead center at 108 mph. He is now 6 for 9 since being promoted.
His rhythm, timing and body control are all so impressive. Sneaky athlete and it shows with how adjustable he is in the box. Natural hitter. pic.twitter.com/QQZ8FVtmip
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) June 20, 2024
Goal to Reach the Cubs
In a recent interview, Ballesteros expressed his ambition to reach the big leagues this season. With his sights set on the top level, he’s determined to make an impact. His dedication and passion for the game are evident enough that he was named to the annual All-Star Futures Game. However, he’s not the only Cubs prospect going, as Matt Shaw and Owen Caissie will be participating.
Still a Work In Progress
Although his numbers continue to look good as a hitter, Ballesteros is still growing into the position of catcher. He has good arm strength and his receiving and blocking are improving. The area where he needs the most improvement with his footwork. His 20 percent caught-stealing rate is around 10 points lower than the major league average. But it is still above that of the Cubs starter Miguel Amaya. If Ballesteros continues to impress, he could be the solution to the Cubs’ catcher issues. His promotion would certainly bring a fresh perspective and also save the Cubs from having to trade away young talent at the deadline.
Moises Ballesteros showing of the arm! ? pic.twitter.com/txek0AfHi2
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) June 20, 2024
Keeping an eye on Ballesteros’ progress could be pivotal. If he maintains his performance, he will find himself joining the big league club once rosters expand on September 1. With Chicago’s significant investment this season, it’s not unreasonable to think that he could be the answer they’re looking for.
Main Photo: © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
