This forgotten slugging prospect could make serious noise at Cubs spring training

Following Jonathon Long's award-winning campaign in 2025, most have expected the Iowa Cubs' starting first baseman to mount a serious challenge to Tyler Austin in spring training. Whoever wins that competition would become the Chicago Cubs' backup corner infielder.

However, Long isn't the only power-hitting threat in the organization with a chance to make some noise this spring. Though he stalled out at Double-A and is aging out of notable-prospect range, BJ Murray Jr. showcased some impressive tools at the plate last year en route to being named a Southern League All-Star.

Though he'll have to battle with Austin, Long, and others for a chance to make the Cubs' roster, expect Murray to use this year's spring training as a launching pad back to relevancy within the farm system.

BJ Murray Jr. facing make-or-break spring training with Cubs in 2026

Murray has actually appeared at the last three spring trainings with the Cubs, though he's accrued just 28 total plate appearances in that time. A lot of his biggest red flags have reared their ugly heads — including a 35.7% strikeout rate — but the 26-year-old has posted above-average wRC+ and ISO figures.

Murray is not on the 40-man roster, giving him one more hurdle to clear if he wants to make his MLB debut at some point this year. That may be a pipe dream with Long ahead of him on the organizational depth chart, but there's no denying what Murray brings to the table.

Last year with the Knoxville Smokies, he hit .242/.363/.418 with 20 home runs and 20 steals, producing a 138 wRC+ while splitting his time evenly between first and third base. Notably, he also cut his strikeout rate down below 20% while maintaining his elite-as-usual walk figures.

The real question is if he can replicate that success in spring training and Triple-A, the latter of which he struggled at mightily in 2024. That year, in 88 games in Iowa, Murray recorded a 73 wRC+ and 24.4% strikeout rate.

Given the fallibility of their bench last year, the Chicago Cubs know better than most the value in having quality hitters up and down the depth chart. Murray is behind a few more established players right now, but a strong exhibition slate could give him the boost he needs to get back on the radar in 2026.

Cubs pitchers and catchers will report on Feb. 11, with position players arriving at camp a few days later. Their first game, which Murray may very well be featured in, will come on Feb. 20 against the Chicago White Sox.