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If one were to guess at the start of the season what Chicago Cubs prospect would be named the organization's Minor League Player of the Year, chances are Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, Moises Ballesteros, and Jefferson Rojas would have been the top choices. All top prospects in their own right, it speaks to how top-heavy the Cubs' system is. However, in naming the Cubs' Minor League Player of the Year, Baseball America made sure every Cubs fan doesn't forget who Jonathon Long is.
The first base prospect was named the Cubs' Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America. Long, who was vying for a spot on the Major League bench before the Cubs signed Justin Turner during spring training, has been sensational with the Iowa Cubs this year.
In 607 plate appearances with the I-Cubs this season, Long slashed .305/.404/.479 with a wRC+ of 131 and 20 home runs. 2025 has easily been Long's best full season in the Cubs' organization, and likely has him on the inside track for a bench spot in 2026.
Baseball America just gave Jonathon Long the honor nobody expected
If nothing else, Long, who MLB Pipeline considers the Cubs' No. 7 prospect, has placed himself on the Cubs' radar, and it comes at an important time. If Long is not added to the Cubs' 40-man roster by the start of the 2026 offseason, he becomes eligible for the 2026 Rule 5 draft. At 24 years old, now is the time that the Cubs should be constructing a path to the Major League roster for Long.
It shouldn't be hard to construct. Entering the offseason, the Cubs will once again be in the market for a backup first baseman. There isn't a scenario where Justin Turner or Carlos Santana will be back with the Cubs next season, and as opposed to igniting the retirement tour for another aging veteran, the 23-year-old Long should be the option. Not to mention, Long is also capable of playing third base and left field.
It speaks to a trend that has plagued the Cubs' roster construction in recent seasons. Jed Hoyer has proved to be incapable of putting together a sufficient bench at the start of the season. If there were a season for Hoyer to alter his philosophy when it comes to the bench, it would be before the likely work stoppage in 2027. In other words, Hoyer should commit to the players like Long and the other top prospects to round out their bench.