Cubs Need To Reevaluate Jaxon Wiggins' Role Moving Forward

It might be time for the Chicago Cubs to have a serious conversation with top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins about his future. 

It has been a rough year for Wiggins in 2026. He started the season on a high note by throwing four innings of one-run ball in his season debut with the Iowa Cubs. But things have gone downhill fast for him since then. 

He allowed four runs across four innings in his second start of the year on April 4 and went on the injured list shortly after that outing due to right elbow inflammation. Wiggins then proceeded to miss over two months with that injury before beginning a rehab assignment on June 15 at the rookie ball level. 

The Cubs’ No. 5 prospect needed four rehab outings to build back up. He looked solid in those four starts, allowing three earned runs across 9 ⅓ innings. Wiggins made one start at the rookie ball level and three starts with the High-A South Bend Cubs. 

Those four outings were enough for Wiggins to be officially activated from the IL on July 10 to start his first game at Triple-A in over three months. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old right-hander has really struggled in his return to the mound. 

Wiggins has given up 19 earned runs across 14 innings pitched in his first five starts back with the Iowa Cubs. He has allowed at least three earned runs in each of those five outings and continues to have a hard time throwing strikes. 

Here’s a look at those five starts: 

July 10: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K 

July 17: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 5 ER, 5 BB, 3 K 

July 23: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

July 29: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

August 4: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 5 ER, 6 BB, 4 K 

Wiggins hasn’t looked sharp by any means since returning from the injured list. He has a 12.21 ERA and a 23.4% walk rate in 9 ⅓ innings pitched. His WHIP, ERA, walk rate, and batting average against have all skyrocketed during this stretch. 

Now, Wiggins obviously deserves some leniency because he did just come back from a multi-month injury. However, given how poorly he has pitched this year, it could be time to discuss a move to the bullpen. 

His numbers at the Triple-A level this year have been poor across the board. He has a .380 xwOBA, .263 expected batting average against, .419 expected slugging, 10% barrel rate, 43.3% hard-hit rate, 20.5% walk rate, 56.6% strike rate, and a 44.3% zone rate. The Cubs might need to try something new with Wiggins. His stuff isn't playing well in the starter role. 

A move to the bullpen could actually help Wiggins reach his full potential. He has a really good fastball that could play well as a reliever, along with a solid cutter, changeup, and curveball mix. The starter role is just not cutting it for the young right-hander right now.