Jonathan Long's journey with the Chicago Cubs has taken an unexpected turn. Despite a stellar showing in the Cactus League, where he slashed .333/.444/.476 over nine games, Long won't be on the Cubs' opening day roster. The 24-year-old first baseman, who made it to Triple-A in 2025, finds himself blocked by a healthy Michael Busch.
On March 22, just four days shy of opening day, the Cubs reassigned Long to their minor league camp. It's a move that underscores the depth and competition within the organization, especially at first base.
Joining Long in the latest roster cuts are right-handed pitchers Corbin Martin and Collin Snider, trimming the Cubs' spring training roster from 41 to 38 players.
Long, ranked as the Cubs’ No. 9 prospect by FanGraphs, showcased his potential last year with a .305/.404/.479 slash line at Triple-A Iowa. His performance suggests that his time in the majors might not be far off.
As for Snider, the 30-year-old reliever posted a 4.50 ERA over eight innings in the Cactus League. With a career record of 9-7 and a 4.48 ERA across 128 major league games with the Royals and Mariners, Snider brings experience that could be valuable as the season progresses.
Corbin Martin, also 30, struggled a bit this spring, allowing six runs in 7.2 innings, resulting in a 7.04 ERA. After signing a minor league deal with the Cubs in January, Martin is looking to bounce back from a challenging stretch with the Astros, Diamondbacks, and Orioles.
The Cubs continue to refine their roster, with seven non-roster players still in camp. As the season opener looms, the competition remains fierce, and every move is crucial in shaping the team's future.