Imagine two rising stars in baseball, already making waves in the minor leagues, poised to dominate the majors. But here's where it gets exciting: Moises Ballesteros and Jaxon Wiggins, both former Iowa Cubs players, have been named among MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects, and they might just return to Iowa in 2026. This isn’t just a local pride moment—it’s a glimpse into the future of Major League Baseball.
On January 23, catcher Moises Ballesteros and pitcher Jaxon Wiggins, part of the Chicago Cubs’ minor-league system, earned their spots on the prestigious list. Ballesteros landed at No. 55, while Wiggins secured the No. 58 position. These rankings aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to their potential to reshape the game.
And this is the part most people miss: Ballesteros, a left-handed hitting catcher, has been turning heads in Des Moines for the past two seasons. Last year, he slashed an impressive .316/.385/.473 with an .858 OPS in 114 games for the Iowa Cubs. His performance didn’t go unnoticed—he earned multiple promotions to the big leagues, where his powerful bat could make him a designated hitter or backup catcher as early as this season. But here’s the controversial question: Is he ready for the majors full-time, or is there still room to grow in the minors?
Wiggins, on the other hand, has been a standout pitching prospect since the Cubs drafted him 68th overall in 2023. The hard-throwing right-hander faced setbacks last season but still reached Triple-A for the first time. In three games with Iowa, he went 0-2 with a 4.66 ERA, but his 168 strikeouts in 137.2 innings across three minor-league levels in 2025 speak volumes about his potential. Here’s the kicker: Despite his talent, some argue he needs more seasoning in the minors. What do you think—is he ready for the big leagues, or should he stay in Iowa?
Both players are expected to start the 2026 season with the Iowa Cubs, who open their campaign on March 27 against the Columbus Clippers. As they continue to develop, the question remains: Will they become the next big names in baseball, or will the pressure of expectations hold them back?
Tommy Birch, the Register’s award-winning sports reporter (Iowa Sportswriter of the Year in 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2025), has been covering these stories since 2008. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468 to share your thoughts. Now, here’s the real question for you: Are Ballesteros and Wiggins the future of baseball, or is the hype overblown? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
