Chicago Cubs prospect’s “failed” major league cameo was actually great news

The Chicago Cubs’ hand was forced a bit when they brought Moises Ballesteros, the organization’s no. 4 prospect, up from Triple-A Iowa.

Ian Happ had been placed on the IL and Seiya Suzki was pegged to play left field in Happ’s absence. That meant the team needed a hitter to fill the DH role. So, they looked within their own system to find that temporary bat– and who better than Ballesteros, who was absolutely killing the ball in Iowa, registering a batting average above .360 and showcasing true major league hitting ability?

The 21-year-old Ballesteros didn’t last long in the majors, but he wasn’t meant to be a long-term roster addition. He was there as a temporary stopgap and, secondarily, for the team to get a preview of what he would look like against major league pitching.

Moises Ballesteros’ Big League Debut

In 5 games and 18 plate appearances, the young prospect got just 1 hit in 16 official at bats before beign sent back to Triple-A.

Ballestero’s .188 batting average, however, didn’t necessarily tell the full story of a big league cameo that was much more positive than negative.

The native of Venezuela, despite his young age and the weight of the moment, didn’t look overwhelmed at the plate at any point and approached his at bats with poise and savvy beyond his years. He took the right pitches, swung at the right pitches, and, for the most part, made respectable contact.

According to Alex Cohen of Marquee Sports Network, Ballestero’s first at bat resulted in a groundout, but with a 106.7 mph exit velocity. His second at bat was a lineout at 107 mph.

“Tough luck, but I like the swings very much,” Cohen noted on Twitter/X.

Andrew Wright of Cubbies Crib also took note of the positives in the young asset’s brief run with the big league Cubs.

Per Wright:

“Ballesteros struck out just one time, compared to two walks. He had a whiff rate of just 12.5% and a squared-up rate of 34.5%. The hits weren’t falling, but he was putting together quality at-bats for the most part when he stepped up to the plate.

Ballesteros saw 73 pitches in 16 at-bats, good for an average of 4.56 pitches per at-bat, His approach at the plate showed that he was more than ready to be a contributor at the major league level and it is almost a certainty that he will be back up in the league at some point again this season.”

The Chicago Cubs Have A Keeper, But…

That’s all good news when it comes to Ballesteros and, also, for the Cubs.

The question will be where to play him.

Primarily a catcher, he’ll be behind Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly, who are both having very good seasons. He can also play first base, but he’ll be behind Michael Busch there. Even as a designated hitter, he’d be behind Seiya Suzuki. So, barring injury, there doesn’t currently seem to be a slot for him on the major league roster.

“Currently.”

The Future For Ballesteros (And The Cubs)

The Ballesteros plan could fall into place next season if the Cubs are outbid for the services of Kyle Tucker and decide not to dip into the free agent market for a prominent position player replacement. As Wright suggested in his Cubbies Crib piece, Suzuki could be moved back to right field and Ballesteros could assume the DH role, while occasionally filling in at first and serving as an emergency third catcher.

Of course, he could also be traded before the deadline this year as the Cubs pursue pitching for their playoff run.

No matter how you slice it, though, Ballesteros will be a big leaguer sooner rather than later.

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