Moises Ballesteros has been waiting in the wings for his moment to shine with the Chicago Cubs, and when All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker hit the injured list late in 2025, Ballesteros seized his chance. In his stint with the Cubs, he batted an impressive .298 and knocked out two home runs over 20 games. Although his postseason appearances were limited and hitless, his potential was clear.
This offseason brought big changes as Tucker inked a lucrative deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yet, the Cubs appear unfazed by his departure, thanks to the depth they've cultivated under the guidance of President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer.
Moises Ballesteros: The Cubs’ New Powerhouse
On a recent episode of Chicago’s 104.3 The Score’s morning show, Mully & Haugh, MLB insider Bruce Levine shared some high praise for Ballesteros from an external scout. The scout believes Ballesteros is not just poised to be a standout hitter but could excel even more as a catcher. This insight suggests the Cubs may have found a dual-threat player ready to make waves.
Levine also advised against Ballesteros losing weight, as it could diminish his power-one of his most formidable attributes at the plate. The scout even compared him to Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk, highlighting Ballesteros' potential impact.
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Ballesteros is expected to feature prominently in the Cubs' lineup in 2026. Slated to be the primary designated hitter, he’s a key piece in the strategy to fill the gap left by Tucker.
With Tucker now a Dodger, the Cubs might not feel the loss as keenly as some might expect. If Ballesteros and Seiya Suzuki stay healthy, they have the firepower to fill Tucker’s shoes-and maybe even exceed expectations.