Cubs Prospect Jefferson Rojas Turning Heads with Powerful Swing

20-year-old phenom impressing in MLB camp with 'wow' moments and home run highlights

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:14am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's swing broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and white, capturing the dynamic energy and promise of a rising young star.A young Cubs prospect's explosive swing captivates the team's major league camp with raw power and potential.Phoenix Today

Jefferson Rojas, the Cubs' No. 5 prospect, is making a big impression in major league spring training camp with his powerful swing and ability to hit home runs off top pitching prospects like Cade Horton. At just 20 years old, Rojas is showing an advanced skill set and maturity beyond his years, leaving coaches and teammates in awe of his raw talent.

Why it matters

Rojas' performance in camp is generating a lot of buzz around the Cubs' farm system and their future lineup. As a top-ranked prospect, his development could have major implications for the team's long-term success if he's able to translate his minor league success to the big leagues.

The details

In live batting practice sessions, Rojas has blasted home runs off Horton, the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, multiple times. Horton has faced Rojas seven times and given up home runs in three of those matchups, admitting 'Jefferson, he owns me.' Rojas' power is the result of dedicated training, including weight lifting, medicine-ball work, and refined swing mechanics that have impressed Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly, who first scouted Rojas at 17 and has seen his transformation.

  • Rojas, ranked as the Cubs' No. 5 prospect, is making a strong impression in the team's major league spring training camp in Phoenix, Arizona.
  • Rojas has faced top pitching prospect Cade Horton, the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, in live batting practice sessions.

The players

Jefferson Rojas

A 20-year-old prospect in the Cubs' farm system who is turning heads in major league spring training with his powerful swing and ability to hit home runs off top pitching prospects.

Cade Horton

The NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, who has faced Rojas seven times in live batting practice and given up home runs in three of those matchups.

Craig Counsell

The Cubs' manager, who has been impressed by Rojas' performance in camp, exclaiming 'Wow' after seeing him hit.

Dustin Kelly

The Cubs' hitting coach, who first scouted Rojas at 17 and has seen his transformation, calling his swing 'really, really fun' to watch.

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What they’re saying

“Go easy on me.”

— Cade Horton, NL Rookie of the Year runner-up

“Jefferson, he owns me.”

— Cade Horton, NL Rookie of the Year runner-up

“Wow.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs manager

“His swing looks so good right now... It's really, really fun.”

— Dustin Kelly, Cubs hitting coach

What’s next

Rojas has not yet reached the major leagues, but his performance in Double-A and the Cactus League games has been captivating. The major-league staff is taking notice, and it's only a matter of time before he makes his mark on the MLB stage.

The takeaway

Jefferson Rojas, the Cubs' top-ranked prospect, is turning heads in major league spring training with his powerful swing and ability to hit home runs off top pitching prospects. His advanced skill set and maturity beyond his 20 years have impressed the Cubs' coaching staff, who are excited about his potential to make an impact at the big-league level in the near future.