The Chicago Cubs had to make a quick decision after Miguel Amaya landed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain suffered on May 24. While the team expected to be without their young catcher for some time, manager Craig Counsell confirmed a four-to-six-week timeline for recovery.
With Amaya sidelined, the Cubs looked to their top catching prospect — 21-year-old Moisés Ballesteros — for a short-term call-up earlier this month. Though Ballesteros got his first taste of Major League Baseball, he was used strictly as a designated hitter during his five-game stint.
Why Not Catch Yet?
Despite Ballesteros’ defensive background in the minors, the Cubs are taking a cautious approach with the youngster.
“Moisés is 21 and playing the hardest position in baseball,” Counsell explained. “It’s the oldest-positioned spot in the league — it just takes more reps.”
Instead of rushing him behind the plate at the MLB level, the front office opted to bring up veteran catcher Reese McGuire from Triple-A. McGuire, who signed a minor league deal over the offseason, brings valuable experience with 328 games caught across eight big-league seasons.
The Balancing Act Behind the Plate
Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer made it clear that selecting McGuire wasn’t a reflection of any lack of faith in Ballesteros.
“We brought Moisés up because we believe in his bat,” Hoyer said. “His offense is ahead of his catching — but that’s natural. Catchers tend to peak later for a reason.”
During his short MLB stay, Ballesteros went 3-for-16 with three RBIs and showed plate discipline by striking out just once. In Triple-A this season, he’s hitting .350 with a .901 OPS — proving he can handle top-level pitching even if he’s not fully ready defensively.
What’s Next for Ballesteros?
Hoyer emphasized the importance of developing Ballesteros’ full game in the minors before making the leap as a full-time MLB catcher.
“There’s so much that goes into being a good catcher — calling a game, framing pitches, blocking balls in the dirt,” Hoyer said. “Moisés has the tools, but he needs time and reps.”
In the meantime, the Cubs will continue rotating between Carson Kelly and Reese McGuire, ensuring they don’t overwork either backstop early in the season.
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