The Chicago Cubs now have a fifth top-100 prospect according to MLB Pipeline as right-handed pitcher Jaxon Wiggins has cracked the rankings. The 23-year-old has posted a 2.09 ERA in 60.1 innings so far in 2025 and was named to the MLB All-Star Futures Game.
Wiggins has been at Double-A since the middle of May and has recorded a 2.38 ERA in seven starts with 43 strikeouts in 34 innings of work since his promotion. Wiggins is now ranked No. 100 in MLB Pipeline's list following the graduation of Cole Young.
The Cubs have been closely monitoring Wiggins' work load this season and they cut down his usage last month. Wiggins has not pitched since June 20. The 2023 second round pick is expected to return to action following the All-Star break.
The right-handed pitcher has been a popular name in trade rumors. We'll see just how desperate the Cubs get at the MLB trade deadline in two weeks. However, Wiggins might have pitched himself out of a trade with his performance so far in 2025.
We'll see how Wiggins looks when he does return and if the Cubs feel confident enough in his long-term development. If they do, then Wiggins will probably not be going anywhere at the trade deadline.
Cubs top prospects (July 18, 2025 - MLB Pipeline)
Owen Caissie: No. 41
Moises Ballesteros: No. 51
Jefferson Rojas: No. 62
Kevin Alcantara: No. 84
Jaxon Wiggins: No. 100
(Previous Update)
We finally know why top Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins hasn't pitched for the past three weeks. No, it's not because the Cubs are holding him out in case he gets injured and ruins a potential trade and luckily it's not an active injury. The Cubs are simply being cautious with the 23-year-old starting pitcher.
Wiggins was named to the 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game, but was officially removed from the roster earlier this week. The right-handed pitcher has accumulated 60.1 innings so far in 2025, surpassing his innings total from the entire 2024 season in the minor leagues. So, the Cubs have decided to throttle down on Wiggins' workload, which is why he hasn't pitched since June 20.
Marquee Sports Network analyst Lance Brozdowski reported on Tuesday night that Wiggins is expected to resume action following the All-Star break and potentially more importantly a few weeks before the trade deadline.
Wiggins was selected in the second round of the 2023 draft out of Arkansas. He didn't make his pro debut with the Cubs until the 2024 season and now he's broken out in 2025. The right-hander has posted a 2.09 ERA while striking out 74 batters in 12 starts. Wiggins has an excellent 30.6 K% and is holding opposing hitters to a .154 batting average.
On May 15, Wiggins made his first start at Double-A with the Knoxville Smokies. He's been great at the new level as well, recording a 2.38 ERA in seven starts with 43 strikeouts in 34 innings of work.
Wiggins' rise in the Cubs farm system has certainly gotten the pitcher onto the radar of many teams around the league and he's quickly become a popular name that's included in trade rumors this summer. The Cubs have been searching for a deal to bring in a top of the rotation arm and Wiggins may be the difference in a blockbuster trade.
If not, Wiggins is projected to eventually contribute in the majors with the Cubs, maybe as soon as 2026, if he stays healthy and continues to develop in the minor leagues.
