CHICAGO — In May 2024, Moisés Ballesteros was playing Double-A baseball for the Knoxville Smokies.

One year later, the 21-year-old made his MLB debut for the Cubs — and did so in the starting lineup as the designated hitter.

Ballesteros’ call-up from Triple-A Iowa came in the wake of a rare IL stint for Ian Happ, who will be out until at least May 20 with an oblique strain. Seiya Suzuki will take over everyday left field duties in Happ’s absence, while Ballesteros will do what he’s done best in his professional career.

“He’s a hitter. He’s always been a hitter,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said of the team’s No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. “He’s been the youngest player on his team for his whole career, and he’s always been one of the better hitters. You can’t help but take notice.”

In Iowa, Ballesteros had been exactly that: an incredible hitter. From April 11 to May 3, he went on an unprecedented 19-game hitting streak — the longest for an Iowa Cub since 2019. He’s slashed .368/.420/.522 (.942 OPS) with four home runs and 18 RBI through 136 at-bats.

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As Counsell said, Ballesteros is doing things that only players far older than him have been able to match. But as he sat in the Wrigley Field dugout to recount receiving the call that he would be a big leaguer, it was a reminder of how young he still is.

“I was playing video games when (my manager) called me,” Ballesteros said with a smile. “I felt like throwing the controller. I was in shock for five or 10 minutes.”

Ballesteros is one of the most consistent hitters in Triple-A, and he hasn’t even played a full season at the level yet. Though he’s been labeled a catching prospect, Counsell said that’s not in the cards for Ballesteros at the moment.

“I don’t think that was the intent of calling him up,” Counsell said. “We have two catchers playing well.”

While Ballesteros settles into DH duties, whether temporary or not, Counsell said the young prospect still will be able to learn a lot from Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly.

“He’s going to participate in all the pregame meetings with the starter and the catcher, so that’s an added benefit,” Counsell said. “Hopefully, this is a week where he gets to sit in and understand.”