Top Cubs Pitching Prospect's Absence Finally Explained

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.