Rookie catcher Moisés Ballesteros has earned a spot on the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day roster, as announced by manager Craig Counsell. The 22-year-old prospect will primarily serve as the designated hitter early in the season. Ballesteros impressed with strong performances last year and this spring training.
In Mesa, Arizona, Cubs manager Craig Counsell informed rookie catcher Moisés Ballesteros on Friday afternoon that he had made the Opening Day roster. Counsell noted that Ballesteros appeared nervous upon being called to his office but quickly delivered the positive news. “He’s on the team,” Counsell said. “I think we made Moisés unnecessarily nervous, actually.” Ballesteros, the Cubs' top prospect and ranked No. 55 overall by Pipeline, showed poise at the plate. Last season, in 20 games with Chicago, he batted .298/.394/.474, hitting two homers, two doubles, one triple, and driving in 11 runs over 66 plate appearances. In September, he hit .333 with a .999 OPS in 14 games while covering for an injured Kyle Tucker. This spring, after arriving late to camp due to visa issues, Ballesteros batted .355 with four extra-base hits, eight RBIs, and a 1.007 OPS in 11 Cactus League games, including two home runs against the Angels on Tuesday. Counsell praised his natural hitting ability: “He’s a gifted hitter... I’ve suggested that the hitting coaches stay away from him.” With Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya set to share catching duties, Ballesteros provides depth there and at first base behind Michael Busch. “He’s going to DH for us a pretty significant amount to start the season,” Counsell said, adding that the young player with Minor League options had earned the at-bats through his performances. Separately, the Cubs optioned relievers Ethan Roberts and Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa. Outfielder Seiya Suzuki, recovering from a right knee tweak during the World Baseball Classic, continues light activity, with a decision on the injured list pending soon. Veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt, a non-roster invitee, did not make the roster but will stay in camp.
