As the Cubs gear up for 2026, the roster is taking shape with a mix of emerging talent and lingering questions. One name that keeps coming up in conversations around Wrigley is Moises Ballesteros, and for good reason. There’s chatter that he could start the season in Triple-A Iowa, but if that happens, it won’t be because the Cubs don’t believe in his bat – it’ll be about managing his development and roster flexibility.
Let’s be clear: Ballesteros isn’t being groomed as the long-term answer behind the plate. The Cubs have made that pretty evident.
His value lies in the bat, and they know it. With Seiya Suzuki moving back to right field, the DH spot is suddenly wide open, and Ballesteros – along with Owen Caissie – is in prime position to take advantage of that.
And when you look at what Ballesteros did at the end of 2025, it’s easy to see why the Cubs are so high on him. In just 46 plate appearances, he slashed .333/.435/.564 with a 177 wRC+.
Sure, it’s a small sample, but the bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline were real. He didn’t just survive major league pitching – he looked like he belonged.
If he carries that momentum into spring, it’s hard to imagine the Cubs keeping him in Iowa for long.
3 Cubs Players Poised for a Breakout in 2026
Moises Ballesteros
We’ve already touched on him, but it bears repeating: Ballesteros is one of the most intriguing young bats in the organization.
His offensive upside is real, and with the DH slot in play, the Cubs can let him focus on hitting without forcing the issue behind the plate. If he continues to produce like he did late in 2025, he could carve out a major role in the lineup – and fast.
Daniel Palencia
Palencia’s 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster, especially down the stretch when he was pitching through an injury.
But in the postseason, he turned into Craig Counsell’s go-to arm, and that tells you everything you need to know about how the Cubs view him. If he’s healthy, there’s a real shot he takes over as the team’s closer in 2026.
He’s got the stuff – high-octane fastball, sharp breaking ball – and now he’s got the trust. That’s a dangerous combo for opposing hitters.
Matt Shaw
Shaw’s rookie campaign was uneven, but there were flashes – especially with the glove.
Defensively, he looked like a future Gold Glover at third base, which is no small feat. The bat is where the questions remain.
He showed signs of making adjustments at the plate, and if he can find some consistency, there’s breakout potential here. He may not open the year as the everyday third baseman, but don’t be surprised if he earns that job before long.
2 Cubs Players Fans May Need to Move On From
Miguel Amaya
This one stings a bit, because the talent is there.
When Amaya was healthy, he produced – a 124 wRC+ in limited action is nothing to scoff at. But that’s the problem: he only played 28 games in 2025.
Injuries have been a constant hurdle, and availability is starting to outweigh potential. At this point, it’s tough to envision him as the long-term solution behind the plate.
Jordan Wicks
Once viewed as a cornerstone of the rotation, Wicks has struggled to find his footing.
After opening 2024 in the starting five, he spent most of 2025 bouncing between the majors and minors. The Cubs still have options on him, so he’s not going anywhere just yet, but his role is shrinking.
There’s still value in having him as organizational depth, but counting on him as a meaningful contributor in 2026 would be a stretch.
Final Thoughts
The Cubs are in a fascinating place heading into 2026 – a blend of rising young talent and veterans trying to hold onto their roles. Players like Ballesteros, Palencia, and Shaw could be the next wave of impact contributors, while others like Amaya and Wicks are at a crossroads. The front office has made it clear they’re building with intent, and if this young core clicks, the North Side could be in for an exciting summer.
