Moisés Ballesteros makes Cubs' Opening Day roster

Moisés Ballesteros was told he made the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day roster and will be used primarily as the team's designated hitter; the club also outlined plans and status updates for pitchers Daniel Palencia, Justin Steele and Ben Brown.

Moisés Ballesteros was informed at a team meeting that he made the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day roster after his spring training performance. The club signaled during camp that he would be their primary designated hitter while Ballesteros worked on daily improvement. Ballesteros, 22, debuted last season and earned playoff roster spots, and he is viewed as having the athletic traits that could allow the club to develop him as a catcher. The team also discussed pitcher workloads and recovery timelines as the season approaches. Key details: - Ballesteros is a 22-year-old left-handed hitter from Venezuela who impressed in his major-league debut and earned postseason roster spots last season. - The Cubs plan to use him primarily as the designated hitter; he may not have a regular defensive assignment if catchers Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya remain healthy. - The organization praised Ballesteros' work ethic and noted the possibility that he could develop into a major-league catcher over time. - Daniel Palencia, coming off the World Baseball Classic, is scheduled to throw one more time in Arizona before Opening Day after heavy usage in the tournament. - Justin Steele is progressing in his recovery from elbow surgery and is expected to target a return to the rotation in late May or early June; the team has not finalized any 60-day injured list decision. - Ben Brown is preparing for the possibility of pitching out of the bullpen early in the season while remaining an option to return to the rotation later. Summary: Ballesteros' roster spot gives the Cubs a left-handed offensive option and reflects the club's interest in his long-term catching potential. The team will manage pitcher workloads and monitor recoveries, including one final outing for Palencia before Opening Day and a timeline for Steele's return, while keeping Brown available for multiple role possibilities.