Surprise Cubs catching prospect could soon overshadow Moises Ballesteros

Thinking a catching prospect that's yet to play above A-ball is about to leapfrog a consensus top-100 talent like Moises Ballesteros is far-fetched, at best. That doesn't mean we can't take note of what Owen Ayers is doing in the Arizona Fall League, though - or consider what it could mean for the team's long-term plans behind the dish.

Ayers, selected in the 19th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Marshall University, is turning heads in Arizona - both at the plate and behind it. The switch-hitting backstop had put up big-time numbers in eight games, slashing .333/.471/.667 with three home runs, two doubles and nine RBI.

Now, pitching in the AFL is not what it used to be. But it's a notable performance for Ayers who, after a rocky introduction to pro ball in 2024, made notable strides at the plate this year with Class-A Myrtle Beach. There's a long way to go (again, he hasn't even made his Double-A debut) - but the idea of a switch-hitting catcher with some pop, not to mention the ability spell guys at first and in the outfield, is certainly intriguing.

Cubs are light on catching prospects behind Moises Ballesteros

Where Ayers could eclipse Ballesteros in the coming years is defensively. That's long been the knock on the Cubs' second-ranked prospect, who made his MLB debut this year and put up strong numbers in limited action (.868 OPS, 13.6 percent walk rate in 66 PA), but appeared as a catcher just one time.

Ayers has not only been impactful at the dish, but he's also showcased an above-average arm and strong glove work in Fall League action. Behind Ballesteros, there are zero catching prospects on MLB Pipeline's organizational top 30 - but if the 24-year-old Sarasota, FL native can carry this momentum into next year, that could soon change.

Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell surely liked what they saw at the plate from Ballesteros, but with Carson Kelly returning and Miguel Amaya expected to be at 100 percent for spring training, it's hard to envision him getting regular reps behind the plate. If Kyle Tucker departs in free agency and Seiya Suzuki slides back to right field, we could see Ballesteros as the everyday DH - but that still leaves a path for someone like Ayers to force his way into the catching picture in the coming years.