Moisés Ballesteros could be entering a much more important chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Angels after arriving from the Chicago Cubs.
The 22-year-old was regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects before the season, largely because of his advanced hitting ability, strong bat-to-ball skills and impressive plate discipline. While his offensive production has yet to fully translate since joining the Angels, his potential remains obvious.
The biggest question surrounding Ballesteros has never been his bat. It has been his defense behind the plate.
During his time with the Cubs this season, Ballesteros received only five starts at catcher, totaling 41 innings. For the majority of his appearances, he was used as a designated hitter. That limited opportunity made it difficult for him to establish himself as a legitimate two-way catcher.
The Angels, however, appear willing to give him something Chicago rarely did: a genuine opportunity to develop as a catcher.
Ballesteros has already started four of his first 10 games behind the plate for Los Angeles. If he can develop into even an average defensive catcher while maintaining his offensive ability, his overall value could increase dramatically.
Angels appear committed to Ballesteros’ development
At 5-foot-8, Ballesteros does have some defensive limitations. His mobility is not considered a major strength, and he still has areas to improve, including blocking pitches, framing and controlling the running game.
His arm, however, gives him something to work with. More importantly, his intelligence and understanding of the strike zone could help him develop into a better game-caller.
The Angels’ decision to acquire Ballesteros after moving on from Logan O’Hoppe also appears significant. The organization has emphasized the importance of how its catcher works with the pitching staff, making Ballesteros’ development behind the plate particularly interesting.
There is also a broader change taking place within the Angels’ pitching operation, with the organization making changes to its coaching staff. Those moves could create an opportunity for Ballesteros to become part of a revamped approach to run prevention.
Unlike many young catchers who require several years of development before reaching the majors, Ballesteros’ bat accelerated his path through the minor leagues. Now, the Angels have the chance to focus more heavily on developing the defensive side of his game.
Even if he ultimately remains primarily an offensive player, his hitting ability could earn him a regular role. But if the Angels can turn him into a reliable catcher, his ceiling becomes considerably higher
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