The Chicago Cubs are making waves in the MLB as they gear up for the 2026 season. With a focus on strengthening the roster, the Cubs have rolled out some bold moves lately.
They’ve promoted Moises Ballesteros and brought in veteran catcher Carson Kelly. Under manager Craig Counsell, the team wants to build on recent successes and patch up a few weak spots.
Moises Ballesteros is catching a lot of attention. The young catcher has impressed in the minors, showing off a strong arm and quick reflexes.
He’s looked solid both behind the plate and at bat. The Cubs hope his promotion will add some fresh energy to their lineup.
Moises Ballesteros: A Rising Star
Ballesteros posted a .290 batting average and a .360 on-base percentage in the minors. Those numbers turned some heads and made him stand out as a valuable asset for the Cubs.
Defensively, Ballesteros has a caught-stealing rate of 35%. That makes him a real threat for opposing base runners.
Craig Counsell’s Strategic Leadership
Manager Craig Counsell has played a big role in the Cubs’ recent momentum. He’s known for his analytical style and for getting the most out of his players.
Counsell’s choices—like promoting Ballesteros and picking up Kelly—show he wants a roster that’s both deep and flexible.
Focus on Player Development
Counsell has really leaned into player development. Several young players have stepped up and contributed under his watch.
He seems to have a knack for helping young talent find their footing in the big leagues.
Carson Kelly: Veteran Experience
The Cubs also picked up Carson Kelly, a veteran catcher with years of MLB experience. Kelly’s leadership and knowledge should help guide younger guys like Ballesteros.
Defensive Prowess
Kelly’s defense is a big plus, with a career caught-stealing rate of 30%. He’s known for handling pitchers well and calling a smart game.
His experience behind the plate should bring some stability to the Cubs’ defense.
Miguel Amaya: A Promising Prospect
Keep an eye on Miguel Amaya too. He’s another young catcher who’s been making progress.
The Cubs have kept close tabs on Amaya, and they expect him to play a big part in the future.
Offensive and Defensive Skills
Amaya hit .275 with a .450 slugging percentage in the minors. That’s not bad at all for a developing catcher.
He’s got a strong arm and solid game-calling skills. The Cubs see a lot of potential in him.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season
Heading into 2026, the Cubs are banking on a mix of young talent and veteran know-how. Moves like promoting Ballesteros and adding Kelly show the team is serious about building a well-rounded roster.
Key Challenges
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The Cubs will have to stay consistent and keep players healthy.
They’ll need to shore up any weak spots and make sure their young stars keep developing. If they can pull it off, this could be a fun season to watch.
Conclusion
The Chicago Cubs look set for an exciting 2026 season. They’ve got this interesting mix of young talent and seasoned veterans.
Moises Ballesteros got promoted, and Carson Kelly joined the roster. Both moves show the Cubs want to stay competitive, not just coast along.
Craig Counsell leads the team now, and honestly, it feels like they’re in a pretty good spot to shake things up in the MLB. If you’re curious about the latest moves and what they might mean, check out the Chicago Sun-Times.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
