ORLANDO — There’s long been a healthy debate, both within the Cubs organization and externally, about how to best navigate catching prospect Moisés Ballesteros’ development.At a position that requires a lot of reps, his hitting ability has naturally sped ahead of his defense, raising the question of how to balance those competing realities.At the winter meetings this week, manager Craig Counsell made his stance clear: “He’s at the point where, if he can help the major league team, he’s going to be in the major leagues. There’s not an everyday catching job in the major leagues for him, but, as we’re constructed right now, we’ve got room for at bats. So I would prioritize the major leagues right now.”Counsell noted that roster chances could change that evaluation. But it’s clear that the Cubs, prioritizing pitching this offseason, are comfortable with a scenario where Ballesteros and outfield prospect Owen Caissie step into larger roles to help fill the void left by Kyle Tucker’s free agency.“Moisés gave us the offensive production of Tucker, essentially, in the month of September,” Counsell said. “And between him and Owen, who was unfortunately hurt for most of that month, those are two important players as we sit right now. And so there’s not much to think about there.”Tucker was sidelined by a strained calf for most of September, providing a preview for the Cubs of life without him.Ballesteros, serving as the DH while Seiya Suzuki played right field, posted a .999 OPS in 14 games from…
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