Chicago Cubs: Moises Ballesteros grabs national attention amid hot start

Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs: Moises Ballesteros grabs national attention amid hot start

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 10:52 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs are 17-11 and in second place in the National League Central Division. Though they dropped their last two games against he Los Angeles Dodgers, they previously were on an 11-game winning streak that saw them propel themselves out of last place.

While the pitching staff has suffered a plethora of injuries, the offense has been consistent overall. Nico Hoerner has deservedly garnered a great deal of attention with his torrid start to 2026, but rookie DH/catch Moises Ballesteros should not be overlooked.

Chicago Cubs rookie Moises Ballesteros should have fans excited

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

Bleacher Report recently published an article in which they named one reason every MLB fanbase should be excited. While Hoerner has certainly been exciting for Cubs fans, they selected Ballesteros as Chicago’s reason:

“Between Triple-A and the majors in 2025, Moisés Ballesteros had a .965 OPS against right-handed pitching compared to a pitiful .577 OPS against southpaws. The Cubs are doing everything in their power to take advantage of that good while avoiding the bad, almost exclusively deploying him against righties this season.

“And if you take out his four plate appearances against lefties, Ballesteros has a .412/.456/.667 triple slash.”

So far this season, Ballesteros is hitting .397/.446/.690 with four home runs and 12 RBI. As Bleacher Report indicates, though, almost all of his production is coming against right-handed pitching. In five plate appearances against left-handed pitching this year, the Cubs rookie is hitting .250/.400/.500 with a double and a walk.

Needless to say, if Ballesteros is to become a true complete hitter, he is going to have to perform against left-handed pitching, and the only way he can do that is by getting more experience.

This is not to say that he should always be in the lineup against lefties, but Chicago is not doing his development any favors by severely limiting his opporunities.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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