Cubs Trade Idea Ships Ballesteros for Major Pitching Upgrades
The Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves to be buyers at the trade deadline.
They sit at 38-22, hold a five-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League Central lead, and this hot first third of the season does not feel like a fluke.
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The Cubs lead the Majors in runs scored per game (5.82), have two legitimate MVP contenders in Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong, a solid bullpen with a combined ERA of 3.57, and enough starting pitching to make it through the summer.
However, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and Tucker are in contract years, and despite instilling confidence in the fanbase so far, Chicago needs a real October run to secure their futures.
The Cubs have a few top prospects to dangle at sellers, namely C/1B Moisés Ballesteros (No. 4). 3B Matt Shaw and RHP Cade Horton would likely draw a larger audience, but Chicago's already strong catching depth and need for either a starting pitcher or another high-leverage reliever make Ballesteros a potential trade option.
Chicago Cubs designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (25) hits an RBI single against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The 21-year-old is raking for Triple-A Iowa in 2025. He has a .341 batting average, a .892 OPS, five home runs, and an 18:22 BB:K ratio over 44 games and 176 at-bats. Ballesteros has also chipped in three stolen bases.
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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tyler Mahle and Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks have been floated as possible trade assets.
Mahle is on an expiring deal, but his 2.02 ERA/3.23 FIP will likely mean Ballesteros plus another pitching prospect for his services.
Fairbanks is not a free agent until 2027, and is quietly putting together another dominant year for the Tampa Bay (1.96 ERA, 2.72 FIP). But that organization has never been afraid to deal top arms, and Ballesteros would make a welcome addition to their farm system.
Regardless of what Hoyer and the Cubs do this deadline, expect Ballesteros' name to pop up in trade ideas.
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Related: Cubs Expected to Aggressively Pursue Justin Steele Replacement Before Trade Deadline
Related: Former Cubs Top Prospect, Current Yankees Outfielder Throws Shot at Chicago
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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