10 articles
CHC • Catcher • #25
about 2 months ago
The 21-year-old backstop added on an insurance run with an RBI single off of Ryan Fernandez in the seventh inning, extending the Cubs’ lead to 2-0. He has impressed in his limited time with the big league club, slashing .298/.394/.474 with two homers, 11 RBI and a 12/9 K/BB ratio over 66 plate appearances.
CHC • Catcher • #25
2 months ago
Ballesteros took Johan Oviedo deep to give the Cubs a 4-0 lead in the first inning. The 21-year-old was lifted for a pinch-hitter after a lefty came in, but he’s now slashing .308/.386/.538 in his limited time with Chicago in 2025. The future appears to be very, very bright for Ballesteros.
CHC • Catcher • #25
2 months ago
Ballesteros’ first big-league homer was both emphatic and oddly poetic — a 103.7 mph rocket off Rays starter Drew Rasmussen that landed in the left-field seats after glancing off Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo’s outstretched hand. The 21-year-old rookie was intentionally walked his next time up and came around to score on ensuing batter Dansby Swanson’s two-run double to left field. He figures to get some run at DH while Kyle Tucker (calf) remains on the injured list for at least the early portion of next week.
CHC • Catcher • #25
2 months ago
The 21-year-old backstop smacked an RBI triple off of Shane Baz in the third inning that gave the Cubs a 4-3 lead they would never relinquish. He then raced home on a fielder’s choice off the bat of Matt Shaw. He also singled in the seventh inning but was ultimately left stranded at third base. The rookie backstop is slashing a solid .273/.333/.409 with zero homers and seven RBI in his first 24 plate appearances with the Cubs.
CHC • Catcher • #25
2 months ago
It’s a bit surprising to see Ballesteros get the nod over Owen Caissie to replace an injured Kyle Tucker (calf) on Chicago’s roster, but they’re apparently content to roll with Kevin Alcántara having an increased role for at least the next week. The 21-year-old backstop has put up some impressive numbers in the upper minors but he’s going to have a hard time carving out a full-time role with the Cubs due to his defensive limitations.
CHC • Catcher • #25
4 months ago
Ballesteros received the call to join Chicago’s active roster for Wednesday’s series finale against the Brewers. The 21-year-old backstop can flat-out hit, but there are enough defensive question marks that his path to regular playing time gets complicated at the highest level. He’ll serve as the Cubs’ primary DH while Ian Happ is sidelined with a shin injury. The bat is strong enough that he’s going to get plenty of opportunities over the next few years to carve out an everyday role.
CHC • Catcher • #25
6 months ago
Ballesteros went 3-for-16 with three RBI and just one strikeout in five games as the Cubs’ DH with Ian Happ out. He’s probably ready to hit in the majors, but there’s simply no room for him on the Cubs with everyone healthy at the moment.
CHC • Catcher • #25
6 months ago
The move is expected to become official before Tuesday night’s game. Ballesteros is 3-for-16 with three RBI and two walks in five games since being promoted as Happ’s replacement.
Source: Daniel Álvarez-Montes
CHC • Catcher • #25
6 months ago
The move is expected to become official before tonight’s game. Ballesteros is 3-for-16 with three RBI and two walks in five games since being promoted as Happ’s replacement.
Source: Daniel Álvarez-Montes