Chicago Cubs Remain Optimistic as Rising Star Moises Ballesteros Continues Delayed Arrival to Spring Training Due to Ongoing Visa Issues
The Chicago Cubs are still awaiting the arrival of young designated hitter Moises Ballesteros, who has been unable to report to Spring Training because of ongoing visa complications. Despite the unexpected delay, manager Craig Counsell maintains an optimistic outlook, encouraging fans and teammates not to worry as the 22-year-old works through the final steps required to rejoin the club.
Ballesteros has yet to appear at camp and will not be present when the Cubs begin their Cactus League schedule against the White Sox on Friday. However, according to long-time Chicago baseball reporter Bruce Levine, Counsell expects the young slugger to arrive on either Saturday or Sunday as his travel status finally moves in the right direction.
Counsell addressed the media on Thursday, offering clarity on Ballesteros’ absence. Despite the inconvenience and timing concerns, the Cubs’ manager expressed confidence that the issue remains procedural rather than problematic. His demeanor suggested patience from the organization and reassurance toward fans who have been eager to see one of their top prospects return to action.
When Will Ballesteros Report to Camp?
Counsell explained that the team believes Ballesteros is “shortly, like soon, soon” from reporting. The phrasing, though light-hearted, was sincere. Levine later added that Ballesteros is currently traveling through Colombia while working out visa issues tied to his native Venezuela—a process that has affected several players league-wide in recent years.
Pitchers and catchers officially reported to camp on Feb. 11, and many position players arrived even earlier. Should Ballesteros join the team this weekend, he will still have missed more than 10 days of on-field preparation. Such a delay is not ideal, but the Cubs remain confident that the timeline will not derail his progress.
The club understands that international travel complications can arise, especially during spring months when embassies and visa-processing centers face seasonal congestion. While frustrating in the short term, the Cubs see no long-term issues stemming from Ballesteros’ late start.
When Will Ballesteros Play in Spring Training Games?
Even if Ballesteros arrives by Sunday, Counsell made clear he will not be rushed into Cactus League action. The Cubs intend to allow him sufficient time to settle in, rejoin baseball activities, and get his timing right before placing him into competitive games.
Because of the natural rhythm required for hitting preparation—timing, pitch tracking, and conditioning—the Cubs expect that Ballesteros’ spring game debut may not occur until early March. This measured approach ensures that he remains physically and mentally ready without unnecessary pressure from an abbreviated ramp-up period.
Counsell stressed that the organization values readiness over immediacy. With nearly a month of spring games ahead and a clear Opening Day role projected, the Cubs plan to bring Ballesteros along methodically to avoid injury or poor mechanics from rushed preparation.
Will the Delay Put Ballesteros Behind?
According to Counsell, the answer is simple: “Not really.” The manager referenced last spring as evidence, when both Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw played minimal games before Opening Day yet were fully prepared for the regular season.
Shaw appeared in just six spring training games before boarding a flight with the team for the Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hoerner finished the spring with only eight at-bats following arm surgery, yet both players reached Opening Day without setbacks. Counsell cited these examples to demonstrate that participation volume matters far less than overall physical readiness and quality preparation.
Ballesteros, despite his youth, has shown exceptional adaptability throughout his rise in the Cubs’ farm system. His natural hitting instincts, mature approach, and advanced feel for the strike zone allow him to acclimate quickly even after schedule disruptions. Counsell emphasized that these strengths will prevent the delay from affecting his status or development.
Ballesteros’ Role and Expectations for 2026
The Cubs fully expect Ballesteros to open the 2026 season on their Major League roster as the team’s primary designated hitter, playing predominantly against right-handed pitching. His arrival last September offered a glimpse into his offensive potential, as he slashed an impressive .298/.394/.474 across 66 plate appearances.
His strong performance provided crucial stability during a late-season stretch when the Cubs needed productive at-bats. Filling in seamlessly for Kyle Tucker—now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers—Ballesteros demonstrated poise beyond his years, earning a spot on the playoff roster. The organization views him as one of the most important young hitters in its long-term plan.
The Cubs made several significant roster decisions this past offseason, including the trade that sent top prospect Owen Caissie to the Miami Marlins in exchange for pitcher Edward Cabrera. The move cleared a path for Ballesteros to assume a full-time DH role in 2026 and beyond, representing a clear vote of confidence in his long-term upside.
Why the Cubs Are Not Concerned
Counsell reiterated that missed spring time has little bearing on long-term readiness for established hitters with strong fundamentals. The Cubs are prioritizing rhythm, conditioning, and controlled progression rather than raw game appearances. Ballesteros’ calm demeanor, work ethic, and advanced baseball intelligence give the coaching staff confidence that he will adapt quickly after arrival.
Internally, the organization also recognizes that delays tied to visa and international travel have become more common for Latin American players across MLB. With proper communication and preparation plans already in place, Ballesteros’ situation is viewed as manageable rather than alarming.
Looking Ahead
As the Cubs prepare for another competitive season in the National League, Ballesteros remains one of the most intriguing young players to watch. His blend of plate discipline, contact ability, and emerging power positions him as a potential breakout candidate—one capable of shaping the future of Chicago’s offense.
Even with the frustrating delay, excitement surrounding Ballesteros has not diminished. Fans are eager to see the 22-year-old rejoin his teammates, begin live batting practice, and continue the rapid development that propelled him through the minor league ranks. With expectations high for both the team and its rising star, Ballesteros’ eventual arrival will mark an important moment in the Cubs’ preparation for the 2026 season.
For now, the Cubs wait patiently—but optimistically. Ballesteros is on his way, and once he steps back onto the fields in Arizona, all focus will shift toward unlocking his full potential in what could be a defining season for both the young hitter and the franchise’s offensive identity.
