The Chicago Cubs are in a position where they have a lot of young talent ready to take a massive step in how the team will do in 2026. There are some key players who will be impactful, and some that are going to need to begin their career at the big league level with the abilitiy to be a formidable bat in the lineup. With the team looking for stars to complement players like Alex Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong, there is one rookie who can do that.
Moises Ballesteros is considered one of the top rookies entering the 2026 season
Sep 17, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (25) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Keith Law of The Athletic wrote an article ranking the top 20 rookies entering the 2026 season and their chances to be impactful for their team. One member of the Cubs was listed as designated hitter Moises Ballesteros was ranked 15th. Below is what Law wrote regarding why he placed him on this list:
“I’m listing Ballesteros as a DH — although he is nominally a catcher and can play first base — because he’s not good enough at the former position and not about to dislodge Michael Busch at the latter one. I also think he’s the most likely candidate to be the Cubs’ primary DH this year, even with some competition at the spot from returning players and some of their offseason additions. He’s hit everywhere, including in 20 games in the majors, and he’ll be one of their best pure hitters (bat only, that is) this year if they give him the job.”
Ballesteros was able to swing the bat well in limited action last season when called up. He played in 20 games and was 17 of 57 (.298) with a pair of home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored. Ballesteros also had great plate discipline as he had nine walks to 12 strikeouts. He is projected to be in the starting lineup to begin the season, so it will be interesting to see how he develops as the season goes on.
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