{"id":167450,"date":"2026-03-21T16:01:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T16:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=167450"},"modified":"2026-03-21T16:01:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T16:01:15","slug":"chicago-cubs-announce-major-roster-decision-before-opening-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=167450","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"post-featured-container-id\">\n<div id=\"post-featured\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240179405.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all&amp;w=780\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 820px) 95vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240179405.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all&amp;w=780 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240179405.jpg?quality=15&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1100 1100w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240179405.jpg?quality=35&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1350 1350w\" alt=\"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>\n<p>Getty<\/p>\n<p>CHICAGO, ILLINOIS &#8211; 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)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>On Friday evening, the Chicago Cubs will play the Cincinnati Reds for their latest spring training game.<\/p>\n<p>The Cubs will have six more exhibition games before their Opening Day matchup against the Washington Nationals (on March 26).<\/p>\n<h2>Chicago Cubs Announce Roster Decision Before Opening Day<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5845464\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg 4213w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=253,169 253w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236014403.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5845464\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5845464\">GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS \u2013 SEPTEMBER 12: Mois\u00e9s 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)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>On Friday, the Cubs announced that Mois\u00e9s Ballesteros will make the Opening Day roster.<\/p>\n<p>Patrick Mooney of The Athletic wrote: \u201cCubs manager Craig Counsell informed Mois\u00e9s Ballesteros that he will be on the team\u2019s Opening Day roster.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5845465\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg 7151w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=254,169 254w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2235402792.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5845465\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5845465\">GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA \u2013 SEPTEMBER 17: Mois\u00e9s 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)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ballesteros is coming off a season where he appeared in 20 games for the Cubs (57 at bats).<\/p>\n<p>He batted .298 with two home runs and 11 RBI\u2019s.<\/p>\n<h2>MLB Fans React To Ballesteros News<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5845466\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg 8305w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=253,169 253w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236182026.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5845466\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5845466\">GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO \u2013 SEPTEMBER 18: Mois\u00e9s 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)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Here\u2019s what people were saying about the news:<\/p>\n<p>@b_rad3323: \u201cDeserved the dude can swing and make contact\u201d<\/p>\n<p>@McGrawDHSports: \u201cAlways seemed about 98% certain, but now it\u2019s official\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p>@wyattB2024: \u201cOfficially official. Expect Ballesteros to DH on opening day.\u201d<\/p>\n<div dir=\"ltr\">\n<p>@jacobzanolla: \u201cFeels like the DH spot is very much in play for Ballesteros to open the season. He\u2019s been killing it this spring\u201d<\/p>\n<p>@crawlyscubs: \u201cSo happy for Moises Ballesteros. He has earned it #Cubs\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5845463\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg 3000w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=254,169 254w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2214375712.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5845463\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5845463\">GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS \u2013 MAY 13: Mois\u00e9s 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)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Cubs Last Season<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5845467\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg 3000w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=782,521 782w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=780,520 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=425,283 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=254,169 254w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=270,180 270w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=225,150 225w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2240201329.jpg?resize=242,161 242w\" alt=\"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5845467\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5845467\">GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS \u2013 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)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Cubs are coming off a year where they were the second-place team in the NL Central with a 92-70 record.<\/p>\n<p>They went 50-31 in their 81 games at Wrigley Field in Chicago.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5845498\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg 4375w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=150,107 150w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=300,214 300w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=768,547 768w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=1024,730 1024w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=1536,1095 1536w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=2048,1460 2048w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=745,531 745w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=780,556 780w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=425,303 425w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=237,169 237w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=253,180 253w, https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2236814013.jpg?resize=210,150 210w\" alt=\"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day\" width=\"780\" height=\"556\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5845498\" data-lazy-load=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-5845498\">GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA \u2013 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)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Cubs beat the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Round of the 2025 playoffs.<\/p>\n<p>However, they lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS (in five games).<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.\u00a0 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<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getty CHICAGO, ILLINOIS &#8211; OCTOBER 09: Manager Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs speaks to the media during a press conference before game four of the National&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":167451,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-167450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=167450\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chicago Cubs Announce Major Roster Decision Before Opening Day - NEWS USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Getty CHICAGO, ILLINOIS &#8211; 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