Two Cubs Players Who Could Be Big X-Factors This Upcoming Season
Every Major League Baseball season tends to revolve around star power.
Fans naturally focus on the biggest names, the All Stars, and the players expected to carry their teams toward postseason success.
For the Chicago Cubs, players such as Alex Bregman, Michael Busch, and Nico Hoerner will naturally attract most of the attention heading into the 2026 season.
But championship level teams rarely succeed based solely on their biggest stars.
Often, the difference between a good team and a great one lies in the players who step up quietly and deliver consistent production when the spotlight is elsewhere.
Those unexpected contributors frequently become the true X factors of a season.
And for the Cubs, two young players could emerge in exactly that role.
Those players are Matt Shaw and Moisés Ballesteros.
Both are still early in their careers, but each possesses the potential to elevate Chicago’s lineup in ways that may not yet be fully appreciated.
The Importance of Hidden Contributors
Baseball history repeatedly shows that postseason success often depends on unexpected heroes.
A recent example came during the 2025 season, when the Toronto Blue Jays reached the World Series.
The Blue Jays featured several superstars, including George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr..
Yet one of the most impactful players during their postseason run was a less celebrated name.
Infielder Ernie Clement quietly delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the playoffs.
Clement finished the postseason with a stunning .411 batting average and an impressive .978 OPS, becoming a nightmare for opposing pitchers despite batting near the bottom of the lineup.
His contributions proved that success often comes from unexpected places.
For the Cubs, the same type of breakout performance could come from Shaw or Ballesteros.
Matt Shaw Could Thrive in a New Role
The arrival of Alex Bregman in Chicago has created an interesting situation for Matt Shaw.
With Bregman occupying third base, Shaw’s natural position, the young infielder has been forced to adapt.
Instead of simply stepping aside, Shaw has begun learning new defensive roles, including time in the outfield.
He also has experience at multiple infield positions, making him a potential utility weapon for the Cubs coaching staff.
While that adjustment presents challenges, it could also unlock new opportunities.
Players who can move between positions often become extremely valuable over the course of a long season.
Injuries, slumps, and lineup changes are inevitable.
Versatile players like Shaw allow managers to respond quickly to those challenges.
Shaw’s Offensive Growth
More importantly, Shaw’s development as a hitter suggests his best seasons may still be ahead.
During the early portion of the 2025 season, Shaw struggled at the plate.
His batting average hovered below .200, raising concerns about how quickly he could adjust to major league pitching.
But the second half of the season told a very different story.
Shaw’s batting average climbed to .258, showing clear improvement in his approach at the plate.
His on base percentage improved from .276 to .317, indicating better plate discipline and pitch selection.
The most dramatic improvement, however, came in his power numbers.
Shaw’s slugging percentage jumped from .280 to .522, a massive leap that highlighted his growing confidence against big league pitchers.
Those improvements suggest that Shaw’s rookie struggles may have simply been part of the natural adjustment process.
Now, entering the 2026 season with experience and confidence, Shaw could be ready for a true breakout.
Moisés Ballesteros Could Benefit From More Opportunities
Another player with the potential to become a major offensive contributor is Moisés Ballesteros.
The 22 year old hitter made a strong impression during his limited appearances in 2025.
Despite playing only 20 games, Ballesteros demonstrated impressive offensive potential.
He posted a batting average close to .300, while also producing a .474 slugging percentage.
Even more impressive was his ability to reach base consistently.
Ballesteros recorded an on base percentage approaching .400, a strong indicator of both patience and contact ability.
For a young player facing major league pitching for the first time, those numbers were extremely encouraging.
Why His Role May Expand
Ballesteros could receive significantly more playing time in 2026 due to roster changes within the Cubs lineup.
The departure of Kyle Tucker has reshaped the team’s defensive alignment.
With Tucker no longer in the outfield, Seiya Suzuki is expected to move into a regular outfield role.
That shift leaves the designated hitter position open, creating more opportunities for Ballesteros to contribute offensively.
For a hitter with his skill set, additional plate appearances could translate into significant production.
Young players often improve rapidly when given consistent opportunities.
If Ballesteros continues developing at the plate, he could become one of the most dangerous hitters lower in the Cubs lineup.
Depth Could Define Chicago’s Season
For the Cubs, the key to success in 2026 may ultimately come down to lineup depth.
Even the most talented teams face obstacles during the long MLB season.
Injuries occur.
Players experience slumps.
Unexpected challenges emerge.
Teams that succeed are those capable of replacing production without losing momentum.
Shaw and Ballesteros represent exactly that type of depth.
Both players bring youth, versatility, and offensive upside.
If they continue developing as hitters, Chicago’s lineup could become far more difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate.
Because when stars like Bregman, Hoerner, and Busch are already demanding attention, the emergence of unexpected contributors can make an offense nearly impossible to contain.
And if the Cubs hope to compete deep into October, players like Matt Shaw and Moisés Ballesteros could quietly become the difference makers no one saw coming.
