The Chicago Cubs optioned designated hitter Moises Ballesteros to Triple-A Iowa and recalled outfielder Justin Dean, according to the club's official MLB transaction log.
MLB.com listed Dean's recall from Iowa on June 19, 2026, one day after the Cubs optioned Ballesteros. MLB Trade Rumors first flagged the pair of moves and reported that Dean would take Ballesteros' roster spot.
Cubs Send Ballesteros Back To Iowa
Ballesteros, 22, is listed by MLB as a left-handed-hitting designated hitter from Venezuela. The move sends him back to Iowa after a sharp downturn at the plate following a fast start to his rookie season.
MLBTR reported that Ballesteros hit .387/.435/.710 through April 27, but his next 106 plate appearances produced a .128/.217/.170 line. The Cubs also used him mostly at designated hitter, with 47 games there compared with eight behind the plate.
The demotion gives Chicago a lower-pressure setting for Ballesteros to reset offensively and, if the organization chooses, to get more regular catching work than he had been receiving in the majors.
Dean Adds Outfield Depth
Dean, 29, was recalled from Iowa for what would be his Cubs debut. Chicago claimed him off waivers in January after he had previously moved through the Giants and Dodgers organizations.
MLBTR described Dean as a speed-and-defense outfield option who draws walks but has limited power. That profile points more toward late-game coverage and bench flexibility than a direct replacement for Ballesteros' designated hitter at-bats.
The transaction comes with the Cubs trying to sort out a broader offensive slide. MLBTR noted that Chicago had scored 98 runs over the previous 30 days, ranking 26th in the majors during that span.