This Chicago Cubs prospect is expected to breakout this season and do big things.
The Chicago Cubs have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball with names like Matt Shaw, Cade Horton, and Owen Caissie leading the list. There’s one prospect that’s lying below most teams radar however that could potentially get a chance to be up with the Cubs this season.
Jonathon Long (No. 27 overall prospect)
The 22-year-old Jonathon Long was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the ninth round of the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft. In 2024 Long split his time between High-A South Bend and Double-A Tennessee playing in 114 games hitting 21 doubles, 17 HRs, 70 RBI for a slash line of .283/.391/.461 for an OPS of .851.
Looking at the University of California Long Beach products scouting grades his best grades are both his hitting and power which grade out at 50/80. MLB.com said of Jonathon Longs hitting abilities by saying:
“Long is a fairly complete offensive player who creates solid raw power with his quick right-handed swing and strength. He does a nice job of working counts and using the entire field, and he can drive the ball out of the park to right field on occasion. He rarely chases pitches, makes consistent contact and does damage against both lefties and righties“
Figuring to be strictly a first baseman or a designated hitter given his weak arm and inability to move around well which he would need to play the outfield and third base. Long offensive prowess is what could propel him to the big leagues.
The future for Jonathon Long
The five-ten lefty could figure to be adequate depth for the Chicago Cubs to have in their system to have behind starting first baseman Michael Busch. With the Chicago Cubs in search of finding a backup for Busch in case anything happens injury-wise or he slacks offensively, Jonathon Long could figure to be a low cost high reward player to have in their back pocket.
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