Cubs' Venezuelan tank jumps into Rookie of the Year conversation while raking the baseball

Chicago Cubs' 22-year-old Venezuelan player Moisés Ballesteros is making a strong case for National League Rookie of the Year with a .387 batting average, five home runs, and a 1.144 OPS in 2026. His recent grand slam in a starting catcher role highlights his growing impact, prompting manager Craig Counsell to consider increased playing time.