"The current guess would have Ballesteros possibly being used sparingly as an emergency third catcher, or maybe once every other week when the circumstances fit just right. That said, no one will argue that there isn't hope that someday Ballesteros can be successful part-time behind the plate."
"The problem is that his bat was always so advanced that it pushed his development well past where he would be if the focus were on his catching. So he and the Cubs will try to have their cake and eat it too, getting big league value out of his bat ASAP while also figuring out how to bring him along defensively as a catcher."
"Ballesteros nabbed Cabrera three extra strikes on ABS challenges, and also seemed to be receiving the especially nasty pitcher well. For his part, Ballesteros is clearly continuing to put in the work behind the plate, and wants to show he can do the job when needed."
Moises Ballesteros faces a challenging role with the 2026 Chicago Cubs. While the organization is satisfied with their primary catchers Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya, Ballesteros's advanced bat makes him valuable for immediate offensive contributions. However, questions persist about his ability to develop as a full-time catcher. The Cubs aim to maximize his batting prowess while gradually developing his defensive catching skills. Spring training will provide opportunities for Ballesteros to prove his catching capabilities, though regular season usage remains uncertain. His recent performance, including strong pitch-framing and receiving skills during a spring game, demonstrates his commitment to improving defensively.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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