22-Year-Old Cubs Slugger Turning Heads in Spring Training

Moises Ballesteros has impressed the Cubs organization with his performance this spring.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:18pm

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Moises Ballesteros, a 22-year-old catcher, designated hitter and first baseman in the Chicago Cubs organization, has been turning heads during spring training. Ballesteros, who was signed as an international free agent in 2021, has shown impressive hitting ability at every level and is expected to play a key role for the Cubs this season, likely starting at designated hitter against right-handed pitching.

Why it matters

The Cubs are in contention for the World Series this season, and Ballesteros' performance could be a key factor in their success. As a young player, this is an important year for Ballesteros to solidify his standing in the organization and prove he can contribute at the major league level.

The details

Ballesteros, a left-handed hitter, has shown he can mash right-handed pitching. In 2025 at Triple-A, he hit .346 with a .965 OPS. While his approach against left-handers needs work, it was enough to warrant a promotion to the majors. In 20 games (57 at-bats) with the Cubs last season, Ballesteros hit .298 with an .868 OPS. This spring, he has continued his hot streak, hitting .333 with a .765 OPS in nine games (27 at-bats).

  • Ballesteros was signed out of Venezuela as an international free agent in 2021.
  • In the 2025 season at Triple-A, Ballesteros hit .346 with a .965 OPS.
  • In 20 games (57 at-bats) with the Cubs last season, Ballesteros hit .298 with an .868 OPS.
  • This spring, Ballesteros has hit .333 with a .765 OPS in nine games (27 at-bats).

The players

Moises Ballesteros

A 22-year-old catcher, designated hitter and first baseman in the Chicago Cubs organization who has impressed the team with his performance this spring.

Nico Hoerner

A veteran player for the Chicago Cubs who has done well against opposing pitchers in spring training.

Carson Kelly

A veteran player for the Chicago Cubs who has done well against opposing pitchers in spring training.

Dansby Swanson

A veteran player for the Chicago Cubs who has done well against opposing pitchers in spring training.

James Triantos

A younger player for the Chicago Cubs who struggled in spring training.

Kevin Alcántara

A younger player for the Chicago Cubs who struggled in spring training.

Carter Hawkins

The general manager of the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“Moisés is a natural hitter with a knack for finding barrels and a mature approach that is beyond his age.”

— Carter Hawkins, Cubs GM (The Athletic)

What’s next

Ballesteros' performance down the stretch of the season will be rewarded with a likely start on Opening Day at designated hitter.

The takeaway

As a young player, this is an important year for Ballesteros to solidify his standing in the Cubs organization and prove he can contribute at the major league level. His impressive performance this spring has the Cubs excited about his potential to help the team in their World Series contention this season.