Down on the Farm - 2026

[Braves]

From BA: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories ... portunity/

The Cubs’ youngest regular in Cactus League play was also their most prodigious slugger.

Twenty-year-old shortstop Jefferson Rojas clubbed four home runs in 19 games, impressing the Cubs with his resilience coming off a rough stretch at Double-A Knoxville to close the 2025 season.

After a great first half at High-A South Bend, Rojas scuffled after a midseason promotion to the Southern League, hitting just .164 in 39 games. He set a new career high with 11 homers in the first half alone but didn’t manage a long ball with the Smokies.

“It really was motivation to go back home (to the Dominican Republic) and prepare for this year,” Rojas said through an interpreter. “I started hitting the gym every single day, regardless if it was rain or shine.”

One of the key focuses for Rojas during the offseason was adjusting the posture in his batting stance to maximize his athleticism. The Cubs’ player development team highlighted that getting into a better hitting position at contact would allow him to access the muscle that he’s worked hard to add.

“The good thing about Rojas, he’s a great worker,” Knoxville manager Lance Rymel said. “He’s going to put in the work, the work that not everyone gets to see. He’s a true pro.”

Rojas raved about the opportunity to pick the brains of Gold Glove middle infielders Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson during big league camp, citing the importance of self-belief that they emphasized to him.

“I think talent is important, but confidence is what takes you to that next level,” Rojas said. “Being with them has really helped. I get to learn a lot from them.”

Rojas also impressed the Cubs’ major league coaches, who noticed the developmental gains he made during his time in the organization.

“It’s fun just watching a talented player grow up,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “He’s creating a great foundation for the season, now it’s up to him to have a great year.”

To that end, Rojas homered and doubled in his first three games with Knoxville this season.