3 Cubs prospects who stand to gain the most from Nico Hoerner's surprise surgery news

There's a way this works out well for Moises Ballesteros in the short-term

Moises Ballesteros? You mean the stocky catcher? Yes, the very same. It seems out of place to talk about his potential role with the 2025 Chicago Cubs, but bear with me and it'll soon make sense.

Prior to the Hoerner surgery news, speculation swirled around the possibility the team would shop him this winter, potentially opening up second base for Michael Busch, who played there in the minors during his time in the Dodger system. You could follow a similar line of thinking here: slide Busch to second, which would open up the first base job - where Ballesteros and his bat could get a look.

With a 60-grade hit tool, according to MLB Pipeline, Ballesteros' bat isn't in question. On the same track as Shaw and Triantos, he split the season between Tennessee and Iowa, batting .289/.354/.471. He's followed that up with a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League, dropping an 1.100 OPS on opposing pitchers. The kid can hit - and this injury might be the opening he needs to get a chance to prove it at the game's highest level.