This surging prospect's breakout season makes him too valuable to trade, even for a frontline starter. His potential impact could be immense.
Jaxon Wiggins might be the Cubs’ biggest trade chip this offseason.
With the North Siders looking for a top-of-the-line starting pitcher, they could go all in on acquiring a star pitcher who has multiple years of control left. Pitchers like MacKenzie Gore or Joe Ryan certainly fit that bill.
Both the Nationals (Gore) and the Twins (Ryan) would likely want a controllable starter back in any deal for one of their top pitchers. That’s where Wiggins could come in.
The Cubs could package Wiggins to get a frontline starter who could help the team over the next two seasons (2026 and 2027). However, the front office shouldn’t be discussing the right-hander in any trade talks this offseason.
Wiggins is the Cubs’ No. 3 prospect in their farm system and is currently ranked as the No. 67 overall prospect on MLB Pipeline. The 24-year-old has quietly jumped up prospect rankings after a breakout Minor League season in 2025.
Wiggins was selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft, but his selection was a major risk for the Cubs. He posted a 6.17 ERA in his first two college seasons at Arkansas and then underwent Tommy John surgery before his junior season.
But the potential has always been there for Wiggins. The Cubs saw that firsthand during the 2025 season.
The hard-throwing right-hander finished this past year with a 2.19 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 78 innings of work across three Minor League levels (High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A). In 10 starts at Double-A Knoxville, Wiggins had an impressive 1.93 ERA and 52 strikeouts.
Those strong numbers earned him a promotion to Triple-A Iowa in early September. Although he allowed five earned runs across 9 ⅔ innings (4.66 ERA) with the Iowa Cubs in three starts, this is a pitcher who has the potential to eventually be a frontline starter for the Cubs' Major League club.
Additionally, Wiggins could contribute to the Cubs at some point during the 2026 season. MLB Pipeline projects the 24-year-old to make his debut next year.
As a result, this is not a pitcher the Cubs should be thinking about trading away this offseason. While acquiring Ryan or Gore would be a nice addition for Chicago’s rotation, getting rid of Wiggins is something the front office might regret down the line.
Wiggins has the potential to make a Cade Horton-level impact in 2026 and has the talent to be a consistent arm in the Cubs’ rotation for years to come. Chicago shouldn’t sell someone like that for a pitcher who only has two years of control left.