Cade Horton, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, has given high praise to Chicago Cubs infield prospect Jefferson Rojas, who is making a significant impression during the Cactus League this spring. In his first seven games, Rojas has delivered an impressive performance, boasting a batting average of .357, an on-base percentage of .438, and a slugging percentage of .714. This development has not only caught the attention of fans but also of team officials, who are excited about his potential.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed his admiration for Rojas, noting the progress he has made since joining the organization. “This is why you love to see the talented players from player development come over,” he commented. “Just being able to see Jefferson at 19 two years ago and where we’re at right now, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Despite a challenging stint in Double-A last season, where Rojas, then just 19, faced off against older competition that was nearly four years more experienced, he continues to show resilience. His performance in the minor leagues displayed promise, compiling a .715 OPS over nearly 1,400 plate appearances. The Cubs see Rojas as a potential future star amid the current seasoned infield lineup.
Rojas has embraced the learning opportunity as a non-roster invitee. He acknowledges the chance to observe veteran players such as Alex Bregman, Nico Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson, all of whom play his position. “One of the goals is to observe,” Rojas conveyed through a translator. “I feel like I can learn a lot from them just by observing them and what they do.”
Currently regarded as a fringe top-100 prospect heading into the 2026 season, Rojas’s development is one of the bright spots for the Cubs as they focus on building a strong future. As he continues to shine in spring training, expectations will grow, and his performance may pave the way for a successful career in the majors. The positive buzz surrounding Rojas adds hope to the Cubs’ journey as they look to enhance their roster with emerging talent.