Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Moises Ballesteros, 22-year-old Cubs DH/catcher, started the 2026 season strong with a .387 BA, 5 HRs, and 5 doubles in his first 25 games. However, he has hit a significant rookie wall since late April, going 2-for-36 (.056 BA) with just 1 HR over his last 36 at-bats. Currently in a 0-for-16 stretch as of mid-May. Despite the slump, underlying metrics remain elite (xwOBA .335, expected slugging .446, 90.4 mph avg exit velo, 13.8% barrel rate, 47.5% hard-hit rate), suggesting a rebound is imminent. Ballesteros is a Rookie of the Year candidate and has been benched multiple times recently to regroup. His overall season stats remain respectable at .265 BA with .827 OPS despite the recent struggles.
Strengths
- + Elite underlying metrics (xwOBA .335, expected slugging .446)
- + Strong average exit velocity of 90.4 mph
- + High barrel rate at 13.8%
- + Excellent hard-hit rate of 47.5%
- + Proven ability to break out of slumps (did so earlier in season)
- + Above-average season stats (.265 BA, .827 OPS) despite recent struggles
- + Rookie of the Year candidate
- + Strong start to season (.387 BA in first 25 games)
- + Young age (22) with room for development
- + Cubs organization confident in his future
About
Moises Ballesteros is a catcher for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
C
Chicago Cubs
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