Moises Ballesteros Stats & Scouting Report

AB	135
AVG	.237
OBP	.309
SLG	.407
HR	6

Full name Moises Alejandro Ballesteros
Born 11/08/2003 in Los Teques, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 5'7" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: L / Throws: R
Debut 05/13/2025

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade/Risk: 55/Mild

Adjusted Grade: 50

Track Record: Ballesteros stood out as a youth player with the Venezuelan national team at the 2015 12U World Cup in Taiwan. He maintained his hitting prowess throughout his amateur career and signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million in January 2021. He made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2021 before he came stateside in 2022. He split his domestic debut between the Arizona Complex League and Low-A. Ballesteros broke out in 2023 by hitting .285/.374/.449 with 14 home runs across three levels. He won the Cubs’ minor league player of the year award in 2023 and again in 2024, when he hit .289/.354/.471 with 19 homers between Double-A and Triple-A. Ballesteros spent a majority of the 2025 season with Triple-A Iowa and made his MLB debut on May 13, appearing in 20 games as well as two playoff games.

Scouting Report: One of the most advanced hitters in the minor leagues, Ballesteros is a lefthanded-hitting, bat-first catcher with major questions around his viability behind the plate. His plus bat-to-ball ability allows him to minimize misses inside the zone and hit a variety of pitch types with very few struggles. Ballesteros is a true contact hitter and is at times overly aggressive and willing to expand the zone. He uses primarily an all-fields approach and a linear swing path and looks to hit the ball gap to gap. His style of hitting is geared toward splattering line drives around the yard, but his underlying power hints at potential for more home runs in time. Ballesteros has plus raw power, backed by plus top end exit velocities to match. A 90th percentile exit velocity of 105.1 mph and a max EV of 112.3 rank in the top 10% of hitters his age. Ballesteros’ flatter batted-ball angles lead to fewer home runs than his EVs suggest. Ballesteros rarely strikes out, walks at an average rate and makes lots of hard contact. His long-term defensive home is where things get tricky. Despite an average throwing arm behind the plate, Ballesteros was run on liberally at Triple-A in 2025 and allowed 92 stolen bases on 106 attempts. Ballesteros is a below-average blocker and framer, though he has improved in both areas in recent years. While a majority of Ballesteros’ games at Triple-A came behind the plate, he might see more action at first base or DH early in his MLB career. He projects as a below-average defensive catcher but could see consistent action there as part of a platoon. While catching is still up in the air, there’s little doubt that Ballesteros will be a successful major league hitter.

The Future: Ballesteros should compete for batting titles in the coming years as he settles into a catcher/first base/DH role.

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 30 | Field: 40 | Arm: 50
BA Grade/Risk: 55/High.

Track Record: Ballesteros signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million in 2021. He performed well in his U.S. debut in the Arizona Complex League in 2022 before breaking out in 2023 by hitting .285/.374/.449 and jumping three levels. Ballesteros began his age-20 season at Double-A Tennessee in 2024 before a promotion to Triple-A in June. He hit .281/.340/.454 in his final 68 games and was the second-youngest hitter to see 200 or more plate appearances at Triple-A in 2024.

Scouting Report: While a stout 5-foot-8 build has led to questions about where Ballesteros fits defensively, there are few doubts about his bat. He has advanced bat-to-ball skills and is adept at making contact with a variety of pitch types and locations. Ballesteros does major damage against velocity, with some of his strongest underlying metrics coming against fastballs at 94 mph and faster. He crushed breaking balls, too, producing a .204 isolated slugging against sliders, curveballs and cutters in 2024. He shows plus underlying power metrics with a 105 mph 90th percentile exit velocity. His all-fields approach likely limits his home run totals, but he consistently hits the ball in the air with authority. Ballesteros should grow into an above-average home run hitter with a chance to flirt with 30 a year while hitting for a high batting average. Ballesteros has well below-average speed and is a station-to-station baserunner. Behind the plate, he’s a below-average framer who struggles with blocking and threw out just 13% of basestealers. He has above-average arm strength but has been unable to improve his transfers.

The Future: A bat-first catching prospect with an exciting combination of hitting ability and power, Ballesteros should make his MLB debut in 2025. He’ll need to improve defensively to stick at catcher but could make a move to first base or DH long term.

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 30 | Fielding: 40 | Arm: 50

Scouting Grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 30 | Field: 40 | Arm: 50.
BA Grade: 55/High

Track Record: Ballesteros emerged on the international scene when he hit cleanup for Venezuela at the 2015 12U World Cup in Taiwan as the youngest player on the team. He continued to hit well throughout his amateur career and signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million on the first day of the 2021 international signing period. Ballesteros showed promising offensive attributes throughout his first two seasons before breaking out in 2023. He jumped three levels to Double-A as a 19-year-old and hit .285/.375/.449 with 14 home runs and 71 RBIs.

Scouting Report: Ballesteros hardly cuts an imposing figure with his short, rotund frame, but he’s a gifted offensive player. He’s a patient hitter who expertly controls the strike zone and has plus contact skills from the left side. He has a simple, fast swing and stings the ball to all fields when he gets a pitch over the plate. He hits lefties and righties, uses the whole field and stays within his approach. He demolishes fastballs in particular and shows average power potential, especially to right-center field. Ballesteros projects to hit for average and power, but his defensive outlook is cloudy. He has strong hands and is surprisingly flexible behind the plate, but his receiving is inconsistent and his framing is below-average. His thick lower half and chunky midsection limit his lateral agility and make him a liability in blocking. He has above-average arm strength and works hard for his pitchers, but he will have to improve his fitness to remain a catcher.

The Future: Ballesteros has the bat to hit in the middle of the order, regardless of where he ends up defensively. The Cubs will continue developing him behind the plate in the hope he can avoid a move to first base or DH.

Scouting Grades Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 20 | Field: 40 | Arm: 55
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Very High

Track Record: Ballesteros starred as Venezuela's cleanup hitter at the 2015 12U World Cup in Taiwan and maintained his status as a premium hitter throughout his amateur career. He signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million on the first day of the 2021 international signing period and showcased his offensive potential in his stateside debut in 2022. He rose from the Arizona Complex League to Low-A Myrtle Beach as an 18-year-old and hit 10 home runs in only 63 games.

Scouting Report: Ballesteros is a highly advanced hitter for his age. He manages at-bats well, has excellent plate discipline and boasts above-average bat speed and strength from the left side. He is a patient hitter who puts himself in good counts and punishes mistakes with above-average power to all fields. Ballesteros has the skills and approach to hit for average and power, but he's physically maxed out at a burly 234 pounds and will need to manage his conditioning closely. His thick lower half and chunky midsection sharply limit his mobility at catcher and his receiving is below-average. He has a plus arm that will buy him time to develop behind the plate, but he is likely to end up at first base or DH unless he loses weight.

The Future: Ballesteros' future depends on how well he manages his heavyset frame. Most observers project him to get bigger and become a DH similar to Daniel Vogelbach.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 55. Speed: 20. Fielding: 30. Arm: 60.
Track Record: Ballesteros batted cleanup as the youngest player on Venezuela’s team at the 2015 U-12 World Cup in Taiwan and remained one of the best hitters for his age throughout his amateur career. He signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million on the first day of the 2021 international period and made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. He hit .266 with 13 extra-base hits in 40 games and had more walks (31) than strikeouts (24).

Scouting Report: Ballesteros manages at-bats well for his age with a patient approach and good bat control from the left side. He has a strong upper body and makes hard contact when he connects, usually for doubles with the occasional home run. His contact skills and plate discipline give him a foundation to be an above-average hitter and his strength gives him a chance to grow into average power. Ballesteros has a stout, blocky body and will need to stay on top of his conditioning to remain a catcher. His blocking and receiving need work, but he does have plus arm strength and a quick release.

The Future: Ballesteros has a chance to be a bat-first, everyday catcher if he stays behind the plate. He may hit enough even if he has to move to another position.

Top 100 Rankings

Scouting Reports

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Very High

Track Record: Ballesteros starred as Venezuela's cleanup hitter at the 2015 12U World Cup in Taiwan and maintained his status as a premium hitter throughout his amateur career. He signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million on the first day of the 2021 international signing period and showcased his offensive potential in his stateside debut in 2022. He rose from the Arizona Complex League to Low-A Myrtle Beach as an 18-year-old and hit 10 home runs in only 63 games.

Scouting Report: Ballesteros is a highly advanced hitter for his age. He manages at-bats well, has excellent plate discipline and boasts above-average bat speed and strength from the left side. He is a patient hitter who puts himself in good counts and punishes mistakes with above-average power to all fields. Ballesteros has the skills and approach to hit for average and power, but he's physically maxed out at a burly 234 pounds and will need to manage his conditioning closely. His thick lower half and chunky midsection sharply limit his mobility at catcher and his receiving is below-average. He has a plus arm that will buy him time to develop behind the plate, but he is likely to end up at first base or DH unless he loses weight.

The Future: Ballesteros' future depends on how well he manages his heavyset frame. Most observers project him to get bigger and become a DH similar to Daniel Vogelbach.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 55. Speed: 20. Fielding: 30. Arm: 60.
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Very High

Track Record: Ballesteros starred as Venezuela's cleanup hitter at the 2015 12U World Cup in Taiwan and maintained his status as a premium hitter throughout his amateur career. He signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million on the first day of the 2021 international signing period and showcased his offensive potential in his stateside debut in 2022. He rose from the Arizona Complex League to Low-A Myrtle Beach as an 18-year-old and hit 10 home runs in only 63 games.

Scouting Report: Ballesteros is a highly advanced hitter for his age. He manages at-bats well, has excellent plate discipline and boasts above-average bat speed and strength from the left side. He is a patient hitter who puts himself in good counts and punishes mistakes with above-average power to all fields. Ballesteros has the skills and approach to hit for average and power, but he's physically maxed out at a burly 234 pounds and will need to manage his conditioning closely. His thick lower half and chunky midsection sharply limit his mobility at catcher and his receiving is below-average. He has a plus arm that will buy him time to develop behind the plate, but he is likely to end up at first base or DH unless he loses weight.

The Future: Ballesteros' future depends on how well he manages his heavyset frame. Most observers project him to get bigger and become a DH similar to Daniel Vogelbach.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 55. Speed: 20. Fielding: 30. Arm: 60.
BA Grade: 50/Extreme

Track Record:: Ballesteros batted cleanup as the youngest player on Venezuela&#39s team at the 2015 U-12 World Cup in Taiwan and remained one of the best hitters for his age throughout his amateur career. He signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million on the first day of the 2021 international period and made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. He hit .266 with 13 extra-base hits in 40 games and had more walks (31) than strikeouts (24).

Scouting Report: Ballesteros manages at-bats well for his age with a patient approach and good bat control from the left side. He has a strong upper body and makes hard contact when he connects, usually for doubles with the occasional home run. His contact skills and plate discipline give him a foundation to be an above-average hitter and his strength gives him a chance to grow into average power. Ballesteros has a stout, blocky body and will need to stay on top of his conditioning to remain a catcher. His blocking and receiving need work, but he does have plus arm strength and a quick release.

The Future: Ballesteros has a chance to be a bat-first, everyday catcher if he stays behind the plate. He may hit enough even if he has to move to another position.
Track Record: Ballesteros batted cleanup as the youngest player on Venezuela’s team at the 2015 U-12 World Cup in Taiwan and remained one of the best hitters for his age throughout his amateur career. He signed with the Cubs for $1.5 million on the first day of the 2021 international period and made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League. He hit .266 with 13 extra-base hits in 40 games and had more walks (31) than strikeouts (24).

Scouting Report: Ballesteros manages at-bats well for his age with a patient approach and good bat control from the left side. He has a strong upper body and makes hard contact when he connects, usually for doubles with the occasional home run. His contact skills and plate discipline give him a foundation to be an above-average hitter and his strength gives him a chance to grow into average power. Ballesteros has a stout, blocky body and will need to stay on top of his conditioning to remain a catcher. His blocking and receiving need work, but he does have plus arm strength and a quick release.

The Future: Ballesteros has a chance to be a bat-first, everyday catcher if he stays behind the plate. He may hit enough even if he has to move to another position.