Cubs' Moises Ballesteros looking to take the next step this year originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ahead of the 2021 season, Moises Ballesteros signed as an international free agent with the Chicago Cubs and went straight to the Dominican Summer League Cubs.
The following year, he would play in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Cubs and then go on to Single-A. In 2023, in Double-A, he would become the club's Minor League Player of the Year.
He would play the majority of his games in Triple-A last season, but did get some MLB experience. He made his debut in May and ended up playing in 20 games.
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Cubs' Moises Ballesteros looking to take the next step this year
During his cup of coffee in the big leagues, Ballesteros hit .298/.394/.474 with two doubles, a triple, two home runs, and 11 runs batted in.
With Kyle Tucker gone, his role for the Cubs has gotten much bigger now. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter believes he could be the club's biggest offensive breakout this year.
"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."
Ballesteros is expected to be primarily used as a DH, while getting back behind the plate when he is needed. He will need to perform well to keep Suzuki out in the outfield.
If he struggles at DH, you can expect the Cubs to move Suzuki back to the DH spot and put someone like Dylan Carlson or Chas McCormick to play the outfield. So, all eyes will be on Ballesteros early this year.
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