The Chicago Cubs saw the team change from the last time we saw them play to now. With players like Kyle Tucker leaving as a free agent, while Edward Cabrera and Alex Bregman signing with them, Chicago will look completely different. There is a need for some players to take a major step to replace some major pieces from the 2025 team. Let’s take a closer look at who is going to need to show some improvement to help the lineup replace some key departures.
MLB believes Moises Ballesteros needs to step up to replace Kyle Tucker’s departure
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Miami Marlins May 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (25) looks on from first base after hitting a single against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
MLB’s Thomas Harrigan wrote an article discussing seven players who need to step up to replace key departures. One of the names he listed was Chicago’s Moises Ballesteros, and below is what he wrote about it:
“Signing third baseman Alex Bregman addressed one of the Cubs’ most glaring weaknesses, but that move alone won’t fully offset the loss of Kyle Tucker. The right fielder operates on a different offensive plane than Bregman, and his departure has left Chicago notably thinner in left-handed power. That void has put more of an onus on Ballesteros, MLB Pipeline’s No. 55 prospect. With Seiya Suzuki set to shift back to right field to replace Tucker, Ballesteros could see regular playing time at DH.”
Ballesteros showed some success in his limited time in the majors last season as he had a .298/.394/.474 slash line with a pair of home runs, 11 RBI, 12 runs scored, and a 9:12 walk-to-strikeout ratio in 20 games (57 at-bats). With the Cubs’ lineup only having three left-handed hitters (Balleseros, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch), this is a chance for him to provide some solid hitting at the bottom of the lineup. It will be intriguing to see how he looks as he is projected to make the 2026 Opening Day roster.
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