Cubs' Moises Ballesteros Looking to Take the Next Step This Year

The young outfielder could play a major role for the Cubs in 2026 after a strong debut last season.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Moises Ballesteros, a 23-year-old outfielder, is expected to have an expanded role with the Chicago Cubs in the upcoming 2026 season. After signing as an international free agent in 2021 and quickly rising through the minors, Ballesteros made his MLB debut in May 2025 and hit .298/.394/.474 in 20 games. With the departure of Kyle Tucker, Ballesteros is poised to be the team's primary designated hitter and could be in line for a breakout campaign.

Why it matters

Ballesteros' development is crucial for the Cubs as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the NL Central. His strong debut last season has raised expectations, and the team will be counting on him to provide offensive production, especially with the loss of Tucker.

The details

Ballesteros signed with the Cubs in 2021 and quickly rose through their minor league system, earning Double-A Player of the Year honors in 2023. He made his MLB debut in May 2025 and hit .298/.394/.474 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs, and 11 RBIs in 20 games. With Tucker's departure, Ballesteros is expected to be the primary DH, though he may also see time behind the plate when needed.

  • Ballesteros signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in 2021.
  • He played in the Dominican Summer League in 2021 and the Arizona Complex League in 2022 before reaching Double-A in 2023.
  • Ballesteros made his MLB debut in May 2025 and played in 20 games that season.
  • He is expected to have an expanded role with the Cubs in the upcoming 2026 season.

The players

Moises Ballesteros

A 23-year-old outfielder who signed with the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent in 2021 and quickly rose through their minor league system, making his MLB debut in 2025.

Kyle Tucker

An outfielder who previously played for the Cubs but has since departed the team, opening up a larger role for Ballesteros.

Seiya Suzuki

A Cubs outfielder who may shift back to right field to accommodate Ballesteros as the primary designated hitter.

Dylan Carlson

A Cubs outfielder who could see more playing time if Ballesteros struggles at DH, with Suzuki potentially moving back to that position.

Chas McCormick

Another Cubs outfielder who could see increased playing time if Ballesteros does not perform well as the team's DH.

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What they’re saying

“After a forgettable five-game cup of coffee in May and a one-off promotion in July, Ballesteros was called up for good in mid-September, and he hit .333/.435/.564 with four extra-base hits and five RBI in 46 plate appearances. The Owen Caissie trade makes him the clear beneficiary of Kyle Tucker's departure, with all signs leading to Seiya Suzuki shifting back to right field and Ballesteros slotting in as the primary DH.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report

What’s next

Ballesteros will need to perform well as the Cubs' primary DH in order to keep Seiya Suzuki in the outfield. If he struggles, the team may move Suzuki back to DH and give more playing time to other outfielders like Dylan Carlson or Chas McCormick.

The takeaway

Moises Ballesteros' development will be crucial for the rebuilding Cubs in 2026. After a strong MLB debut last season, he has a chance to be a breakout offensive player for the team, but he'll need to seize the opportunity and solidify his role as the primary DH.