3 Cubs players poised for breakout year in 2026, 2 fans should give up on

There was some talk going around on social media earlier this week that one plan for the Chicago Cubs' 26-man roster could see Moises Ballesteros start the season with the Iowa Cubs to further his development as a catcher. Considering there's almost no scenario where the Cubs are bringing back Kyle Tucker, Ballesteros not being on the Opening Day roster would be hilarious.

Money is the primary reason why the Cubs aren't interested in bringing back Tucker, but with Seiya Suzuki moving back to right field, it does open up the DH spot for Ballesteros and Owen Caissie.

Along those lines, the Cubs have been pretty clear that they value Ballesteros moving forward because of his bat. There isn't a plan to turn Ballesteros into the team's long-term answer at catcher, so prioritizing his development at a position the Cubs aren't sure he'll stick at doesn't quite add up.

3 Cubs players poised for breakout year in 2026

Looking at the Cubs' roster, there are clear candidates for a breakout season in 2026. Ballesteros is where we start.

Moises Ballesteros

During the final month of the 2025 season, it was starting to click for Ballesteros at the major league level. In 46 plate appearances, Ballesteros slashed .333/.435/.564 with a wRC+ of 177. Certainly a small sample size, but enough to back the Cubs' desire to give him more of a runway in 2026.

Daniel Palencia

If not for a rocky stretch during the final two months of the season when he was pitching through an injury, Daniel Palencia likely wouldn't have been allowed to be placed into this group. But after becoming Craig Counsell's go-to arm out of the bullpen during the playoffs, Palencia might be on track to be the team's closer in 2026. If he repeats the success he had in the playoffs and during his previous run as the team's closer, Palencia will become the anchor in the bullpen.

Matt Shaw

It was an up-and-down season for Matt Shaw this year. His glove at third base was never the problem; in fact, he could very easily win a Gold Glove in 2026. His bat remains a question mark, and that could be why he doesn't open 2026 as the team's starting third baseman. Still, he flashed enough offensive adjustments to leave the door open for a breakout season, assuming he finds an approach that consistently clicks.

2 Cubs players fans should give up on

Miguel Amaya

2025 was more confirmation that Miguel Amaya shouldn't be viewed as the Cubs' long-term answer at catcher. He did continue the offense success he had at the end of the 2024 season, posting a 124 wRC+, but injuries limited him to just 28 games. Availability remains his biggest liability, and it's hard ot think that changes in 2026.

Jordan Wicks

It felt like the Cubs ran out of a development plan for former first-round pick Jordan Wicks. He went from being a part of the team's Opening Day rotation in 2024 to being an up-and-down arm in 2025. He has minor league options remaining, so there is still value to having him around, but his having any role of consequence shouldn't be counted on.