The Chicago Cubs currently have seven prospects on MLB’s top 100 list.
All of whom have the chance to make an impact on the Cubs roster at some point this season.
One of those prospects Moisés Ballesteros could be up quicker than most with his bat being so advanced and with his defensive trailing just slightly behind.
Receiving advice from his first hitting coach
In a recent interview with Marquee Sports Network Ballesteros recalled what it was like growing up in Venezuela and how his father Harry, helped him with his hitting. Ballesteros recalled that his first introduction to hitting was when his father would throw him corn kernels to see how well he could hit.
“My dad has always helped me since I was little, since I was like 6,” Moisés — now a minor leaguer and the 46th-ranked prospect in baseball, per the Athletic’s Keith Law — said at Cubs Convention. “My dad has always been my hitting coach. He’s always helped me when I was younger.”
Ballesteros came to the Cubs as an international free agent in the class of 2020-2021 after playing for the Venezuelan national youth team. Signing for $1.2 million Ballesteros has been outstanding since joining the Cubs a wide-eyed 18-year-old.
Coming into pro-ball at such a young age the young Ballesteros relied heavily on the wisdom of his father to help him get through the struggles and help work on his hitting adjustments.
“He watches all my games and tells me things like, ‘Son, I’m seeing that you’re cheating forward a bit. You’re not letting the ball come to you,’” Ballesteros said. “Sometimes he asks me if I’m tired because he sees me playing. Honestly, I’m thankful that my dad is that person that I have there for me.”
A talented young catcher
Ballesteros has the potential in my opinion to be the next Kyle Schwarber for the Cubs with Moisés being on the same trajectory. Having a more elite bat that defense the Cubs have been kicking around the thought of moving Ballesteros off of catcher if he can’t show he can improve his receiving ability. The Cubs brought in veteran catchers Carlos Perez and Reese McGuire as depth options who could also act as mentors for Ballesteros. Ballesteros could force his way onto the Cubs roster early this season if he shows out down in Triple-A and can show he is capable of handling a pitching staff.
According to MLB.com Ballesteros has great grades for his hit tool (60/80) and his power (50/80) while having below-average grades for his run (30/80) and his fielding (40/80). Ballesteros had a great season last year for the Cubs where he split his time between Double and Triple-A.
In 124 games Ballesteros slashed .289/.354/.826 with an OPS of .826. He also was able to hit 9 home runs while at Double-A then added another 10 while at Triple-A to have a total of 19 for the season.
Ballesteros comes into this season noticeably slimmed down making it a point to shed some pounds to be more nimble behind the plate. According to Ballesteros he also incorporated the new one-knee down-catching technique to help with his receiving.
The young 21-year-old also said he received advice from a once prominent Cubs catcher who he says was his favorite player growing up in Wilson Contreras.
“‘Work hard and keep doing what you’re doing today because that will make you grande — big,’” Contreras said.
“It was a big impact for me,” Ballesteros said. “I was super impressed that he gave me some words of advice. It was something that motivated me a lot because he gave me the advice that if I kept going like I’m going — I’m going well — I would get good results.
“And I have been the same person today and I haven’t changed.”
Coming to Wrigley soon
Mar 2, 2024; 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-USA TODAY
Ballesteros has the chance to make an impact for the Cubs this season with his bat being as advanced as it is.
If he can at least become an average defender and work up to being able to handle a pitching staff Ballesteros has a chance to be a star.
If he can put up the same numbers as last season and improve defensively he will force the Cubs hand to call him up at some point this season.
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