Despite a confusing and disappointing season, the Chicago Cubs have a handful of prime-aged stars on their roster.
None of those players will be the face of the Cubs in the years to come, however, according to a new report.
In a piece published Friday entitled “Predicting Each MLB Team's Face of the Franchise in 2027”, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter selected catcher prospect Moises Ballesteros for the Cubs.
“The Cubs have not had a true face of the franchise since blowing up their World Series roster and sending Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber out of town,” Reuter said.
“Cody Bellinger feels like more of a short-term, hired gun as far as stars are concerned, while high-priced shortstop Dansby Swanson doesn't have the flashiest skill set with a game built on defense.”
“Could the future face of the franchise be a 5'7", 215-pound catcher?”
“Moises Ballesteros is hitting .292/.361/.493 with 18 doubles, 16 home runs and 62 RBI in 94 games between Double-A and Triple-A, and he is one of the youngest players in the upper levels of the minors, with his 21st birthday not until November. … Pete Crow-Armstrong is also capable of a major step forward, but Ballesteros is a sleeper pick to be a fan favorite in Chicago.”
Ballesteros is currently ranked the No.44 overall prospect in baseball by MLB.com.
According to the scouting report on Ballesteros from MLB.com, he is a supremely talented hitter whose position is still up in the air.
“Chicago has moved him aggressively because his bat is so advanced. … Ballesteros has had no trouble handling significantly older pitchers because he has a sweet left-handed swing and controls the strike zone better than anyone in Chicago's system. … Because Ballesteros is much heavier than his listed 195 pounds, has a thick lower half and lacks quickness and agility, there are questions as to whether he can remain at catcher. … He'll flash some solid arm strength, but his slow footwork and transfer allowed basestealers to succeed in 97 of 122 (80 percent) attempts last year.”
Whether Ballesteros ends up catching for the Cubs or playing a different position, his future stardom is already being laid out in front of him.
More MLB: Should Cubs extend All-Star outfielder? 'I see no reason', says insider
Local Chicago, IL
Most Popular
Comments / 0