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Chicago Cubs predicted to trade Moises Ballesteros amid emergence of #8 prospect
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Late last season, the Chicago Cubs brought up their most exciting offensive prospect, Moises Ballesteros, for his first taste of Major League Baseball. He responded well, hitting .298/.394/.474 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 20 games.
Based on his performance in Triple-A and the Majors last year, the Cubs made the decision to add Ballesteros to their Opening Day roster to start the 2026 season. However, he is such a poor defensive catcher and first baseman that the only way he could see regular at bats was as the designated hitter.
Unfortunately, the young rookie became borderline unplayable even in that role due to how much he struggled at the plate this year.
The Chicago Cubs may trade Moises Ballesteros
In 59 games up in Chicago this season, Ballesteros has hit .231/.303/.385 with six home runs and 23 RBI. Over a month ago, the Cubs sent him back down to Triple-A where he can get back into his offensive rhythm and improve his defense.
The thing is, though, Owen Ayers, also a catcher, was just promoted to Triple-A. Bleacher Report believes this could indicate that Chicago is open to moving on from Ballesteros:
“The Cubs desire for more starting pitching might be the worst-kept secret of this year’s trade deadline, and they showed a willingness to part with quality prospect talent during the offseason when they sent Owen Caissie to the Marlins.
“Moisés Ballesteros got off a strong start this year before slumping badly and being demoted to Triple-A, and he has yet to get back on track in the minors. Meanwhile, fellow bat-first catcher Owen Ayers is hitting .315/.427/.634 with 22 home runs in 76 games, and he was just promoted to Triple-A. Could Ayers’ breakout make Ballesteros a trade chip?”
In 22 games since his demotion, Ballesteros is hitting .247/.366/.370 with a home run and 17 RBI.
If a team that is selling their starting pitching wants Ballesteros in return, the Cubs should really consider pulling the trigger, given how well Owen Ayers, their number eight prospect, is hitting.
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