The Chicago Cubs’ front office is exploring options as the trade deadline nears. Moises Ballesteros‘ stellar progress and recent showing at the Minor League Future’s Skills showcase make him a strong candidate for a trip to the majors.
One Cubs Prospect Continues To Show Big League Potential
Making the Grade In Triple-A
Ballesteros, 20, spent the first part of 2024 tearing up Double-A pitching before moving to Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs’ 2023 Minor League Player of the Year has seen his numbers dip slightly since his promotion. He’s slashing .301/.338/.452 in 18 games at Iowa, including five doubles and two home runs among his 22 hits over 78 plate appearances.
A Strong Performance In The Future’s Skills Showcase
If this sample size is undoubtedly tiny, Ballesteros’ recent performance at the Future’s Skills Showcase reveals his versatility as a hitter. Ballesteros finished with a total of 62 points over three rounds of competition. That placed him third among eight competitors, four points behind winner Roman Anthony and two behind second-place finisher Sebastian Walcott.
A closer look at the individual stages reveals the consistency of Ballesteros’ hitting. Only Walcott showed the same versatility and bat control as the competitors. Dead last with just six points after two rounds, Anthony needed a 60-point performance in the home run contest to take first place.
Anything but a one-trick pony, Ballesteros (32 pts.) finished second to Walcott (40 pts.) in the target-hitting competition and bested him in the bat control stage (18-12). The two ended in a four-way tie for second in the home run contest with 12 points.
A Potential Fit At Catcher Who Also Plays First Base
Ballesteros has a plus arm to go along with his hitting ability. The Cubs have been shopping for options at catcher throughout the season as they monitor the progress of rookie Miguel Amaya. Amaya has been making steady progress at the plate over the past 30 games. He also played a part in the Cubs’ recent offensive surge, slashing .294/.400/.529 over his last seven games.
But a question lingers as to whether Amaya will improve his arm strength. Ballesteros could answer that question in the affirmative should he get a chance at the position. While Ballesteros needs improvement on his pop time in throwing runners out, he also plays first base. That might come in handy depending on what the team decides to do with Cody Bellinger at the trade deadline.
A Sure-Fire Candidate For A Trip to Wrigley Field
As the second half begins, the Cubs are still looking toward a postseason berth. A sell-off at this point seems unlikely. Michael Busch has more or less cemented his role as the club’s first baseman, while centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong continues progressing as a hitter. Cody Bellinger has been working both positions this season, often in center field. This rise of youthful talent might prompt the Cubs to continue to elevate players from their farm system. If so, Ballesteros is sure to get his shot. Although a player can typically plan on making several trips back and forth from the Minors, he certainly deserves a chance to prove himself.
Main Photo Credits: MATTIE NERETIN / USA TODAY NETWORK
