CHICAGO —
When Craig Counsell sat down after the Cubs’ postseason exit and was asked about the club’s plans at designated hitter, his answer wasn’t about free agents or veterans. It was about Moises Ballesteros.
“Moises Ballesteros has shown he’s ready for a larger role, and we believe he can be a major part of our future,” Counsell said. “We’re excited about his potential, and having him as our everyday DH is a move that aligns with our long-term vision.”
Those words may have quietly marked the start of a new chapter in Wrigleyville — and perhaps the end of another.
A Star in the Making
At just 21 years old, Ballesteros has emerged as one of the brightest young bats in the Cubs’ system. His 2025 campaign between Triple-A Iowa and Chicago was electric:
- .316/.385/.473 over 114 games in Triple-A
- .298/.394/.474 in his 20-game major-league debut
Coaches rave about his advanced approach and ability to adjust mid-at-bat — traits rare for his age. Inside the organization, scouts describe him as “the kind of hitter you build around, not around.”
The Kyle Tucker Question
Meanwhile, the Cubs face a pivotal offseason decision: whether to re-sign Kyle Tucker, their marquee acquisition from last winter. Tucker’s first season in Chicago had flashes of brilliance — an .841 OPS, 22 home runs, and 4.5 fWAR — but injuries and a late-season slump complicated his free-agent outlook.
What once looked like a $300-million-plus extension now feels like a gamble.
If the Cubs decide to let Tucker walk, Ballesteros could be the natural heir to that middle-of-the-order production — at a fraction of the cost and with years of upside ahead.
A Youth-First Vision
Moving Seiya Suzuki back to right field would open the DH slot for Ballesteros, allowing him to focus purely on hitting while the Cubs ease him into major-league rhythm. It’s a shift that fits Counsell’s vision of sustainable success through development rather than expensive quick fixes.
“He’s not just a call-up anymore,” said one Cubs insider. “They see him as part of the core — someone who can anchor this offense for years.”
Financially, it’s also strategic. A young, cost-controlled slugger gives Chicago flexibility to strengthen its rotation and bullpen without committing massive long-term dollars to another outfielder.
The Dawn of a New Core
The Cubs are betting that Ballesteros can grow alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson — a homegrown nucleus that could define the next decade at Wrigley Field.
And while Tucker’s future remains uncertain, Ballesteros’ path seems clear: his time has come.
He isn’t just another prospect filling a gap. He’s the bridge between what the Cubs have built — and what they’re trying to become.
