Cubs Call Up Prospect to Start Against Pirates

The Chicago Cubs are calling up pitching prospect Jordan Wicks, from Triple-A Iowa per ESPN, something that in all likelihood will lead to his Major League debut.

With the move of veteran left-hander Drew Smyly to the bullpen, Wicks could take his spot in the rotation for Sunday’s finale with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs have not confirmed their plans for Wicks, but ESPN reported that a start on Sunday would be "likely.

Wicks is the No. 10 prospect in the Cubs’ organization per MLB.com and is one of two pitching prospects in the Top 10 at Triple-A, the other being Ben Brown, who is out with an injury.

Wicks is in his third season in the Cubs’ organization and split his 2023 between Double-A Tennessee and Iowa. Combined he is 7-0 with a 3.55 ERA with 99 strikeouts and 32 walks. Batters are hitting just .223 against him.

With the Iowa Cubs he is 3-0 in seven starts with 30 strikeouts and 13 walks in 33 innings.

Wicks split 2022 between the High Class-A South Bend Cubs and Tennessee, going a combined 4-6 with a 3.80 ERA in 24 starts, throwing 94.2 innings. He struck out 121 and walked 28 and allowed batters to hit .247 against him.

In 2021 he made his pro debut with the Class-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, throwing four starts without a decision. He had a 5.14 ERA with five strikeouts and three walks in seven innings.

Wicks was the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2021 after a tremendous career with Kansas State.