Moisés Ballesteros is a Venezuelan catcher from Los Teques who arrived in the big leagues carrying the kind of defensive pedigree that Caribbean baseball is known for. He made his MLB debut on May 13, 2025, with the Los Angeles Angels at just 22 years old — a left-handed hitter with a right-handed arm and a reputation for handling a pitching staff and shutting down the running game.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Moisés Ballesteros
- Position: Catcher
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- Number: 13
- Bats / Throws: Left / Right
- Height / Weight: 5’8″ / 194 lb
- Born: November 8, 2003 (22 years old)
- Birthplace: Los Teques, Venezuela 🇻🇪
- MLB Debut: May 13, 2025
Background
Born on November 8, 2003, in Los Teques, Aragua state, Ballesteros grew up in a region that has produced serious big-league talent. His development through the Angels’ minor league system put him on the map as one of the more intriguing catching prospects of his class, with scouts pointing to his pitch-framing instincts and his ability to control the running game as his calling cards.
His May 2025 call-up marked the start of what the Angels hoped would be a long-term building block behind the plate — a catcher who could grow into both a defensive anchor and a contributor at the plate.
Professional Career
In his initial stint with the Angels in 2026, Ballesteros hit .250 but didn’t drive in or score a run in that sample, and he went deep zero times. The Angels eventually traded him to the Chicago Cubs, where things clicked a bit more offensively: he batted .231 with 6 home runs, 23 RBI, 16 runs scored, and an OPS of .688.
The numbers are modest for a first full season, but that’s not unusual for a 22-year-old catcher still finding his footing. His defensive versatility and willingness to learn keep him valuable to any organization betting on his continued development at the plate.
Career Stats
- 2026 (Los Angeles Angels): AVG .250 | HR 0 | RBI 0 | R 0 | OPS .500 | SB 0
- 2026 (Chicago Cubs): AVG .231 | HR 6 | RBI 23 | R 16 | OPS .688 | SB 1
- 2026 Combined: AVG .231 | HR 6 | RBI 23 | R 16 | OPS .683 | SB 1
Awards and Records
Ballesteros is still early in his big-league journey — no Gold Gloves or All-Star nods yet. Right now, the focus is on locking down a roster spot and stacking experience. The hardware conversation can wait.
One Thing That Sets Him Apart
At 22, Ballesteros represents a new wave of Venezuelan catchers who blend technical discipline with the natural defensive creativity the country is known for. His ability to play other positions in the field gives him a flexibility edge over more traditional backstops — a real asset on a modern roster built around versatility.
