Tough break for Chicago Cubs prospect Jonathon Long, who exited Saturday’s spring training matchup against the Texas Rangers due to a left elbow strain. The 24-year-old found himself in a collision at first base during the top of the fourth inning. An errant throw from Jefferson Rojas yanked Long off the bag, putting him directly in the path of Mark Canha.
Long's discomfort was evident as he hit the ground, prompting a swift decision from Cubs manager Craig Counsell to pull him from the game after consulting with the team’s trainer. The Cubs later confirmed that Long suffered a sprain in his left elbow.
Drafted in the ninth round in 2023 out of Long Beach State, Long has climbed into the Cubs’ top-10 minor league prospects following a standout 2025 season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. Known for his right-handed power, Long posted a notable 131 wRC+ across 607 plate appearances last year.
His impressive slash line of .305/.404/.479, along with 20 home runs, 91 RBIs, and 86 runs scored, showcased his potential. He also maintained a solid 13% walk rate.
Originally slated to represent Chinese Taipei in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Long's participation is now uncertain due to this injury.
This setback is a tough blow for a promising prospect. Long was seen as a key depth option at first base for the Cubs, ready to step up if needed in the majors. In the immediate future, this injury could also sideline him from the World Baseball Classic.
Throughout his minor league career, Long has belted 44 home runs over 280 games, with a cumulative slash line of .294/.398/.479 in 1,000 at-bats. He wrapped up the 2025 season ranked No. 6 in MLB Pipeline’s top-30 Cubs prospect rankings.