Chicago Cubs top prospect Moisés Ballesteros has been included in the 26-man roster for the new season.

When rookie Moisés Ballesteros was called into the manager's office today, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell heard he might be nervous. Counsell didn't want him to stay anxious for long, so before the catcher even sat down, he directly told him the good news.

“He's on the roster,” Counsell said today. “We actually made Moisés nervous for no reason.”

The 22-year-old Ballesteros shows no nerves in the batter's box. As the Cubs' top prospect and ranked No. 55 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list, he impressed in his debut last season and continued to display his natural all-around hitting ability during spring training this year.

Given the Cubs' current roster setup, catching duties will be shared by Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya. Ballesteros can serve as a third catcher and provide depth support for first baseman Michael Busch, but his primary playing opportunities early in the season will come from the designated hitter spot.

“He'll be used heavily as the designated hitter at the start,” Counsell said. “To put it bluntly, he earned this with his performance. When you have players with minor league options who are young, you have to force your way into the lineup with your play. Moisés earned this opportunity.”

“To get such an opportunity, you almost have to do more, and I think he did. His performance last year and his continued showing this spring prove he deserves these plate appearances. He'll get his chances.”

Last season, Ballesteros played 20 games for the Cubs, posting a .298 batting average and an .868 OPS over 66 plate appearances, with two home runs, two doubles, one triple, and 11 RBI, along with nine walks and an OPS+ of 151. In September, over 14 games, he batted .333 with a .999 OPS, playing a key role while Kyle Tucker was injured.

After arriving late to spring training due to visa issues, Ballesteros got into form immediately. In 11 Cactus League games, he hit .355 with four extra-base hits, eight RBI, and a 1.007 OPS. On Wednesday at Sloan Park against the Los Angeles Angels, he launched two deep home runs that flew straight to the center-field bleachers.

“He's a natural hitter,” Counsell said earlier this week. “I told the hitting coaches, you better stay away from him.”

Seiya Suzuki's status pending

Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki sprained his right knee while stealing a base for Japan in the quarterfinals of the Classic. He has been engaging in light activities recently. Counsell stated that the team will continue monitoring Suzuki's recovery but will soon decide whether to place him on the injured list at the start of the season.

“He has done everything we asked,” Counsell said. “We'll make a decision at some point this weekend. I think this is a short-term decision that will guide our next steps.”

Counsell revealed that Suzuki did some light hitting and throwing drills on Thursday and also performed recovery exercises in the pool. The team rested on Friday, which Suzuki used for recovery, and plans to increase his activity intensity during today's training.

Roster adjustments

The Cubs today assigned right-handed pitchers Ethan Roberts and Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa, further narrowing the competition for the final bullpen spot. Both will serve as experienced MLB depth reserves, ready for the new season.

“Both had good spring trainings, solid performances,” Counsell said. “We have others ahead of them, and everyone is healthy. They worked well in the offseason, made progress, and are ready for a good season. We know they'll join the team at some point and help us.”

Other updates

• Counsell stated that he has informed veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt that he did not make the MLB roster. This non-roster invitee will temporarily remain in the spring training camp, continuing to provide assistance in catching.

• Left-handed pitcher Justin Steele has already faced live batting practice twice, and his recovery process following left elbow surgery is progressing normally. His return timeline remains set for May or June.