Chicago Cubs: Moises Ballesteros role on Major League roster is painfully obvious

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 8:36 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have one of the most exciting young rosters in Major League Baseball. Coming off of a season in which they went 92-70, many believe that they will only get better in 2026 and, perhaps, compete for a World Series this upcoming year. And best of all, they have more young Major League ready prospects ready to contibrute.

Among these, and perhaps the most notable, is Moises Ballesteros. After a successful cup of coffee in the Majors late last season, Ballesteros, Chicago’s top prospect, appears poised to make the Opening Day roster. And when/if he does, there really is just one place where the Cubs can put him.

Moises Ballesteros will likely be the Chicago Cubs DH

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles DodgersFeb 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In his first 20 games in the Big Leagues, Ballesteros hit .298/.394/.474 with two home runs and 11 RBI. Down at Triple-A last year, he hit .316/.385/.473 with 13 home runs and 76 RBI in 114 games.

Of those 114 games, Ballesteros played 71 of them at catcher and three at first base.

At the Major League level, though, Chicago has Michael Busch entrenched at first base. He is coming off of a year that saw him hit 34 home runs, and their plan is have them there nearly everyday, even against left-handed pitchers.

Catcher, of course, is held down by Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly, both of whom are better defensive catchers than Ballesteros.

And so, it appears that the Cubs will be best served having their top prospect start the season and spend most of his time as their designated hitter in 2026. The fact, though, is that his ability to play both first base and catcher gives him some positional versatility, which means he can get some experience in the field as well.

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

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