The Chicago Cubs have done a good job of putting together a crew of starters that are equal parts steady and talented. Even if it remains to be seen whether “steady” is enough to get them to the playoffs, it can’t be denied that the team has done a good job of filling its holes.
Where the Cubs are lacking, though, is in depth. With seven of eight field positions settled (and top prospect Matt Shaw the leading candidate for the third base gig), there are many questions as to who will fill the void if one of those starters gets hurt or wanders into a horrendous slump.
First base is especially lacking in depth.
The Void Behind Michael Busch
Behind starter Michael Busch, there is literally nobody. Cody Bellinger was traded to the New York Yankees. Prospect Matt Mervis was traded to the Miami Marlins. Isaac Paredes was traded to the Houston Astros in the Kyle Tucker trade. Even Patrick Wisdom was released and is now headed to Korea to play pro ball there.
That leaves the Cubs in a tough spot when it comes to backing Busch up in case of injury.
The Cubs outstanding farm system is lacking in that one key position and doesn’t have anything even resembling a top prospect above Double-A.
Finding A Solution
All of this means that the Cubs will have to be creative when it comes to finding a suitable backup first baseman. Of course, there’s always free agency, but the team would prefer not to go there– and draw resources away from the pursuit of pitching arms– if absolutely not necessary. They could also fish for cast-offs from other teams and keep one in reserve at Triple-A, just in case. However, a cast-off generally is a cast-off for a reason and the Cubs would be in a tough spot if they had to use one of them as a starter.
The only remaining viable option is Moises Ballesteros– the Cubs’ 21-year-old offensive dynamo.
The left-handed hitting Ballesteros is the Cubs’ no. 4 prospect and he got there with his bat alone.
The 5’ 8”, 195 lb. (he’s heavier than that) Venezuelan is listed as a catcher and is getting most of his playing time there, but scouts question his athleticism and general quickness behind the plate. Actually, they question his athleticism and defensive capabilities anywhere on the field he might play. So, it really should say a lot about Ballesteros’ hitting ability for a big defensive question mark to be so highly ranked within the organization.
Moises Ballesteros To The Rescue?
No doubt about it, the kid can hit. He’s proven that at every minor league level he’s played at and there’s little doubt in most baseball minds that he’ll also be able to hit at the major league level.
By the way, Ballesteros’ second listed position is first base. And that has opened up some discussion among fans and media regarding a possible move up to the majors sooner than expected.
Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib, for instance, believes the big hitter would be an ideal choice to step into the big leagues as a backup to Busch.
Per Campbell:
“Mosies Ballesteros is one of several top Cubs’ position prospects that are knocking on the door of the Major League level. There is little doubt that Ballesteros’ bat is Major League-ready. The question becomes what to do with him defensively. The Cubs aren’t the highest on his future as an everyday catcher. That could mean Ballesteros finds his way on the Cubs’ roster in 2025 as a backup option at first base while serving as an emergency catcher.”
It does make sense. Ballesteros could be second-string first base as well as an emergency catcher. He could also serve as a DH coming from the left side of the plate. Given his physical limitations, there’s almost no need for future seasoning at the minor league level.
The Chicago Cubs might do well to consider bringing Ballesteros– and his bat– to the majors.
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