Chicago Cubs option struggling slugger to Iowa

Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs option struggling slugger to Iowa

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Jun 19, 2026 1:13 AM ET

The past six weeks or so haven’t been kind for the Chicago Cubs. They went from leading the NL Central to sitting in fourth place and watching rival Milwaukee take over the division.

Part of the Cubs’ struggles have been cold hitting. They are slumping in their lineup and it’s cost them games that they should have won. One player who is in a slump is slugger Moises Ballesteros. After getting off to a hot start, he’s really struggled.

Over the last 31 games, Ballesteros is slashing .125/.212.159. That’s a big drop in his numbers and now, the Cubs are making a decision on the 22-year-old.

Chicago Cubs option Moises Ballesteros

Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (25) during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

With the struggles of Ballesteros, the Cubs made the decision on Thursday to option him back down to Iowa. That way, Ballesteros can get everyday at bats and work out his struggles and get back to the big league club.

As for the corresponding move, Bleacher Nation is reporting that it will be Justin Dean. That move will happen before Friday’s series opener against Toronto.

Dean, 29, was a waiver claim this offseason from the Dodgers. He’s a speed-and-defense guy by trade, currently hitting .238/.369/.354/93 wRC+ at Iowa. With the current Cubs configuration, it’s fair to guess that Dean would mostly be up for late-game base-running, and the very occasional late-game defensive need.

The hope is that Ballesteros can get back to the big league level and figure out his struggles. At just 22-years-old, there’s a lot of potential and he’s shown the power that he has in the bat. It just needs to be consistent.

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

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