Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell reveals what role Moises Ballesteros will have on 2026 Opening Day roster
The Chicago Cubs are days away from beginning the 2026 MLB season. Over the last several weeks, they have been figuring out their roster as the team participated in Spring Training. Some of their players, too, participated in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, getting valuable experience in high-leverage games.
Unfortunately, however, slugging outfielder Seiya Suzuki suffered a knee injury while representing Team Japan in the WBC. It is not yet known how long he will be forced to be out because of it.
Chicago already faces a challenge in replacing the offensive presence of Kyle Tucker, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency. And while the signing of Alex Bregman is hopefully going to make up for that loss, the Cubs now have to find a way to fill the gap left by Suzuki, who hit 32 home runs and drove in 103 runs.
For the start of the season, at least, it sounds like they will be looking to Moises Ballesteros to help.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell reveals role Moises Ballesteros will have in 2026
On Friday, manager Craig Counsell revealed that Ballesteros had been informed that he had made the Opening Day roster. However, with the Cubs fairly well set at catcher and first base, the two positions Ballesteros plays, the Chicago manager said that their top prospect will play primarily as the designated hitter:
“He’s going to DH for us a pretty significant amount to start the season. He has earned that, is the best way to say it. When you have a player that has [Minor League] options and it’s a young player, you’ve got to kind of beat down the door to get yourself in the lineup. And so, Moisés has earned that opportunity.
“You almost have to do a little more to get that opportunity, and I think he has. He’s shown us through his stint last year and through what he’s continued to do this spring that he deserves at-bats. And he’s going to get some.”
In 11 games played in Spring Training, Ballesteros is hitting .355/.394/.613 with two home runs and eight RBI. In 20 games in the Majors last season, his first taste of the Big Leagues, he hit 298/.394/.474 with two homers, two doubles, one triple and 11 RBI.
More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports
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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-craig-counsell-moises-ballesteros-2026/
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