Jonathon Long's Explosive Rise: Cubs' 2025 Minor League Player of the Year Shines Bright

In a system brimming with talent, one name has emphatically carved its niche as the future of the Chicago Cubs' first base position: Jonathon Long. The powerful infielder has been officially recognized as Baseball America's Cubs 2025 Minor League Player of the Year, a testament to his explosive performance and rapid ascent through the organizational ranks during his first full professional season.

Selected in the third round of the 2023 draft out of Long Beach State, Long wasted no time making his presence felt.

While his initial professional stint in 2023 offered glimpses of his potential, it was the 2024 season that truly announced his arrival as a premier prospect. Split between High-A South Bend and Double-A Tennessee, Long's bat was a consistent force, culminating in a combined slash line of .270/.383/.500.

These aren't just solid numbers; they represent a player who dominated the plate, launching 23 home runs, racking up 34 doubles, and driving in 85 RBIs across 127 games.

What truly set Long apart wasn't just the sheer power, but a remarkable display of plate discipline. At High-A, he showcased an advanced approach, walking more often than he struck out – a rare and impressive feat for a power hitter (16.9% walk rate vs.

15.6% strike rate). This discerning eye at the plate, combined with his ability to make hard contact, translated seamlessly to the more challenging Double-A level, where he continued to mash and draw walks, proving his success was no fluke.

Scouts are particularly enamored with Long's offensive toolkit.

He possesses legitimate plus raw power, capable of driving the ball with authority to all fields. His swing is designed to generate optimal leverage, allowing him to turn on inside pitches and punish mistakes. Yet, unlike many sluggers, Long isn't just a swing-for-the-fences type. His refined approach ensures he controls the strike zone, rarely chasing pitches outside the optimal hitting window, which bodes well for his long-term success against advanced pitching.

Defensively, Long has demonstrated versatility, splitting time between first base and third base.

While he's worked diligently on his third base defense, most scouts project his long-term home to be at first base, where he is considered an average defender with room for continued improvement. For his size, Long is surprisingly athletic, a trait that enhances his overall profile and adds another layer to his promising future.

The outlook for Jonathon Long is exceptionally bright.

Scouting reports envision him as an above-average everyday regular at first base, potentially boasting a 55-grade hit tool and a formidable 60-grade power tool. He's a middle-of-the-order bat in the making, a player capable of anchoring a lineup for years to come. With his current trajectory, a promotion to Triple-A in 2025 seems imminent, with a potential big-league debut with the Cubs as early as 2026.

Long's emergence is particularly significant for the Cubs, an organization that has been searching for a homegrown solution at first base.

His rapid development provides a clear and exciting answer, filling a crucial gap with a player who brings both power and a refined approach. As Jonathon Long continues to ascend, Cubs fans have every reason to be excited about the powerful impact he is poised to make at Wrigley Field.