Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell discusses demotion of slugger Moises Ballesteros

It is no secret to anyone who follows the Chicago Cubs that they need to make some significant changes. At one time, they were one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. Now, they are just three games over .500 and sit in third place in the National League Central Division.

Over the course of the last several weeks, multiple Cubs hitters have struggled at the plate. On Thursday night, Chicago made the decision to option one of them, Moises Ballesteros, to the minor leagues.

On Friday, manager Craig Counsell addressed that decision.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell talks the Moises Ballesteros demotion

Chicago Cubs, Moises Ballesteros — Apr 25, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros (25) reacts after hitting a one run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

In 59 games played this season, Ballesteros is hitting just .231/.303/.385 with six home runs and 23 RBI. Counsell is hoping that some time in the minors will help him develop into a more all-around player:

Craig Counsell explains optioning Moisés Ballesteros to Triple-A Iowa and recalling Justin Dean. https://t.co/lFBhHfluh0 pic.twitter.com/C6S7Q5wGYL

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 19, 2026

“Every roster is just different. So there’s different places you have flexibility and then there’s maybe a place you don’t have as much flexibility. So we’d subtract one to get the other. That’s essentially what happened.

“Justin’s gonna be used as a runner. He’s gonna be used mostly as a runner. There could be some defense in there, but mostly it’s gonna be on the bases.

“I think [Ballesteros’] game instincts are very good. I think that’s something that we were really pleased at. He handled the in-game situations of catching in the Major Leagues very easily, so no concerns there. I think just continue to work on his receiving. I think that’s probably the thing he’s gonna just continue to… the receiving and throwing.

“Obviously threw the ball pretty well, didn’t have a ton of chances or exposure to that.”

As one can see, the decision to demote Ballesteros was to improve Chicago’s overall defensive abilities. He cannot offer them much in the areas of baserunning or defense, so they decided to promote Justin Dean in his place.

Down in Iowa, Ballesteros can hopefully get his bat back on track and work on being a better defensive catcher.

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