Cubs Promote Moisés Ballesteros as Ian Happ Heads to Injured List

CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Cubs are set to promote catching prospect Moisés Ballesteros ahead of their game against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. This move comes as outfielder Ian Happ is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list due to an oblique injury that has kept him out since May 9.

Ballesteros, 21, has been impressive in his minor league career, boasting a .288 batting average with a .371 on-base percentage and a .459 slugging percentage over five seasons. He has consistently posted an OPS above .800 at every level, including a strong .311/.368/.477 average with Triple-A Iowa over the past two years.

His performance has been particularly noteworthy this season, where he has started with a blistering .368 average, highlighted by four home runs and seven doubles in 34 games. His strikeout rate is just 10.7%, making him one of the top performers in the International League, ranking second in batting average among hitters with over 100 plate appearances.

The Cubs now face a roster challenge, as Ballesteros is not currently on the 40-man roster. The team will need to make additional roster moves to facilitate his promotion.

Scouting reports praise Ballesteros for his offensive potential, though questions persist regarding his defensive capabilities. His receiving skills and ability to control the running game are areas of concern; opponents have successfully stolen bases against him in 27 out of 31 attempts this season.

Ballesteros signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million out of Venezuela during the 2021 amateur signing period and has worked his way up through the organization. His play has drawn comparisons to Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk, who also faced defensive scrutiny in his early career.

As for Happ, who batted .269/.364/.381 with three home runs and 19 RBIs this season, his absence will impact the Cubs as they aim to maintain their position among the best teams in baseball.

More developments are expected as the Cubs incorporate Ballesteros into their roster, where he may see significant action, especially in a designated hitter role.