The Chicago Cubs have made an exciting move, calling up their No. 4 prospect, Moises Ballesteros, ranked No. 61 on MLB’s Top 100, for his major league debut against the Miami Marlins on May 13, 2025. At just 21, this Venezuelan catcher’s red-hot bat and impressive minor league track record have fantasy baseball managers buzzing. Whether you’re chasing a playoff push in redraft leagues or building for the future in dynasty formats, Ballesteros is a name to know. Let’s break down his profile, role, and what he brings to your fantasy roster.

 

Moises Ballesteros, Cubs Prospect Status

When the Cubs signed Ballesteros for $1.5 million out of Venezuela in 2021, they knew they had a special hitter. His 60-grade hit tool shines through in his career .282/.368/.452 minor league line, with a knack for making consistent contact (16.8% strikeout rate) and drawing walks (11.5%). In 2025, he tore through Triple-A Iowa, hitting .368/.420/.522 with 4 homers, 18 RBI, and a 150 wRC+ over 34 games. His .393 BABIP and 10.7% strikeout rate show he’s a line-drive machine, while his 55-grade power hints at 15–20 homers per year as he matures.

That said, his defense is a work in progress. At 5’8” and 215 pounds, Ballesteros has a strong arm (50-grade) but struggles with framing and blocking (40-grade), catching only 13% of base stealers in 2024. While he’s logged 223 starts at catcher, some scouts see him shifting to first base or DH long-term. The Cubs are sticking with him behind the plate for now, which is music to fantasy managers’ ears given the scarcity of quality catchers. Named the Cubs’ Minor League Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024, Ballesteros’ bat is ready for the big leagues, even if his glove needs polish.

 

Chicago Cubs Depth Chart

Ballesteros’ call-up comes as Ian Happ hits the injured list with an oblique strain, opening a roster spot. With Carson Kelly (.361/.500/.820, 1.7 WAR) and Miguel Amaya (.254/.282/.433, 0.4 WAR) holding down catcher, Ballesteros is likely to see time at DH or first base, with Seiya Suzuki sliding to the outfield. Michael Busch is settled at first, and the outfield is stacked with Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong, so Ballesteros will need to keep hitting to earn regular at-bats. His ability to play catcher, first base, or DH gives manager Craig Counsell flexibility, and Counsell’s praise for his hitting suggests he’ll get a real chance to shine.

 

Moises Ballesteros Stats & Projections

Ballesteros’ numbers tell a story of a hitter wise beyond his years. His 2025 Triple-A performance (.368 AVG, .942 OPS, 8.0% BB%) builds on a four-year minor league resume of 386 games, 46 homers, 198 RBI, and a 126 wRC+. His ability to spray the ball (career .315 BABIP) and handle fastballs makes him a tough out. For the rest of 2025, assuming around 300 plate appearances, here’s what to expect:

.260–.270 AVG, 8–10HR, 30–40 RBI, .330 OBP, .400 SLG

Best Case: If he carves out a regular role, a .300 AVG and 15 homers are possible, especially with Wrigley Field’s hitter-friendly setup boosting his output.

Fantasy Outlook: In redraft leagues, he’s a smart pickup in 12-team formats or deeper, offering catcher-eligible upside for teams needing a spark. In dynasty leagues, he’s a gem with top-5 catcher potential, projecting for .290/.360/.480 with 20–25 homers at his peak if he sticks at catcher part-time.

Ballesteros is a rare prospect whose bat is ready to contribute now, with the added bonus of catcher eligibility. Grab him in fantasy leagues and keep tabs on his playing time—his hot start could force the Cubs to find more ways to get him in the lineup, making him a potential game-changer for your roster.