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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 09: Manager Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs speaks to the media during a press conference before game four of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
On Friday evening, the Chicago Cubs will play the Cincinnati Reds for their latest spring training game.
The Cubs will have six more exhibition games before their Opening Day matchup against the Washington Nationals (on March 26).
Chicago Cubs Announce Roster Decision Before Opening Day
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 12: Moisés Ballesteros #25 of the Chicago Cubs runs the bases after hitting a RBI triple during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field on September 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
On Friday, the Cubs announced that Moisés Ballesteros will make the Opening Day roster.
Patrick Mooney of The Athletic wrote: “Cubs manager Craig Counsell informed Moisés Ballesteros that he will be on the team’s Opening Day roster.”
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 17: Moisés Ballesteros #25 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 17, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Ballesteros is coming off a season where he appeared in 20 games for the Cubs (57 at bats).
He batted .298 with two home runs and 11 RBI’s.
MLB Fans React To Ballesteros News
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 18: Moisés Ballesteros #25 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after being struck by a line drive in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 18, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
@b_rad3323: “Deserved the dude can swing and make contact”
@McGrawDHSports: “Always seemed about 98% certain, but now it’s official…”
@wyattB2024: “Officially official. Expect Ballesteros to DH on opening day.”
@jacobzanolla: “Feels like the DH spot is very much in play for Ballesteros to open the season. He’s been killing it this spring”
@crawlyscubs: “So happy for Moises Ballesteros. He has earned it #Cubs”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 13: Moisés Ballesteros #25 of the Chicago Cubs prepares to bat during the ninth inning on his debut against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on May 13, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Cubs Last Season
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 09: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Chicago Cubs tosses his bat after drawing a walk during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
The Cubs are coming off a year where they were the second-place team in the NL Central with a 92-70 record.
They went 50-31 in their 81 games at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Shota Imanaga #18 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 08, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Cubs beat the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Round of the 2025 playoffs.
However, they lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS (in five games).
The franchise last won a World Series Championship in 2016 when Anthony Rizzo, Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Kris Bryant were still on the roster.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
