3 Cubs prospects named to MLB All-Stars Futures Game roster originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
O Puppies announced Tuesday that three of their prospects have been selected to participate in this year’s All-Stars Futures Game. Infielder Matt Shaw, outfielder Owen Caissie and catcher Moises Ballesteros will participate in an exhibition game designed to showcase some of baseball’s most exciting prospects.
Shaw is ranked as the game’s 30th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, which is the highest ranking among the three players. The Cubs selected Shaw with the 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft, and he currently plays for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. He is hitting .251 with ten home runs and 35 RBI in 68 games. Additionally, he is tied for second in the Southern League with 40 walks, tied for fourth with 43 runs and his 10 home runs are tied for fifth.
The Cubs acquired Caissie from the Padres as part of the trade that sent Yu Darvish and Victor Caratini to San Diego. Caissie will turn 22 later this month and ranks No. 35 on MLB Pipeline’s list of top prospects. In 73 games with Triple-A Iowa this season, Caissie is hitting .283 with eight home runs and 45 RBI.
Ballesteros signed with the Cubs as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2021. The 20-year-old started the year at Double-A Tennessee, where he hit .299 with nine home runs and 43 RBI in 56 games. The Cubs promoted him to Triple-A Iowa on June 18 and since then he has hit .378 with one home run and three RBI.
Ballesteros will also participate in the All-Star Futures Game Skills Showcase. He will be among eight hitters who will face three challenges: Hit It Here, Call Your Shot and Swing For the Fences.
The 2024 All-Star Futures Game will take place on July 13.
