The Chicago Cubs seem pretty much set when it comes to their starting, non-pitching roster. But if there’s one minor area of debate and uncertainty, it lies with the every day designated hitter spot.
More News: Chicago Cubs no. 1 draft pick gets sky-high vote of confidence
As of right now, it appears that the Cubs’ top ranked prospect Moises Ballesteros is being targeted as the man for that job.
And, really, why wouldn’t he be?
Moises Ballesteros is a hitting savant
Sep 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros (25) hits an RBI-single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
More News: Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster projection features a pair of shockers
The 22-year-old lefty has been a hitting savant throughout his run in the Cubs farm system, carried through each level of the organization on the weight of his bat alone. He was Chicago’s Minor League Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024, again, carried there entirely by his bit.
Last season, in a small sample size of 66 regular season plate appearances over three separate call-ups, he slashed .298/.394/.474. Down the stretch, he turned a lot of heads, hitting .333 (with a .435 OBP) in the month of September, offsetting the loss of Kyle Tucker, usually working from the middle of the lineup.
But Ballesteros IS a rookie with much more modest success against left-handed pitching. He also has defensive issues, probably with a ceiling of “adequate” at catcher and first base if used sparingly.
All of that leads to the questions of where and how to use the young hitter.
Where will he hit in the Cubs lineup?
Sep 13, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (25) crosses home plate and celebrates his first MLB home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
In terms of his placement in the lineup, most everyone agrees that he will get every opportunity to click at DH. There is a difference of opinion, however, in where to place him in the order.
Cubs beat writer Bruce Levine, in a recent appearance on “Mully and Haugh” on 104.3 The Score, feels that Chicago will stick him right into the heart of the lineup:
“If you’re not paying attention to Moises Ballesteros and him batting third or fourth in that lineup this year, then you’re not paying attention…I would say right in the middle, between 3 and 5…This is a guy who is, potentially, one of the top young hitters in the National League…”
David Haugh, co-host of “Mully and Haugh” disagreed with Levine:
“I have high hopes for the kid, too, but third our fourth on a playoff team…I don’t know. That’s expecting a lot…I don’t know why he would bat higher the seventh.”
Haugh’s reasoning is solid. With so many more proven bats in the lineup, why would they feature a rookie in such a prominent spot?
However, there’s also an argument to be made for aiding Ballesteros’ progression by sticking him between established players to ensure he gets more good pitches to hit.
Cubs have confidence in top prospect
Apr 18, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) smiles before a game between the Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Whatever the case, the Cubs seem confident in the young star and are pointing to last year’s successes as proof positive of his “realness.”
“We kind of asked a lot of him,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told media during January’s Cubs Convention. “You saw where he was hitting in the lineup at times. I think that is a sign of a lot of confidence in a young hitter. He showed us a lot.”
As for where he might play defensively, the answer may be that he won’t be playing much in the field.
Positioned as the third catcher on the team and the second or third first baseman, he’ll likely be used exclusively as an emergency fill-in or as an in-game replacement for games that are out of reach.
Among experts and analysts, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding Ballesteros and it’ll be interesting to see how this season shapes up for him.
Chicago Cubs: How does PCA rank among MLB Best? ESPN has an interesting take
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE