As the Chicago Cubs look to round out their starting rotation in 2024, promising rookie Jordan Wicks could end up in Triple-A to start the season.
Per MLB.com on the state of the Cubs' pitching staff:
Right now, the rotation projects to include Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and Imanaga. Barring another addition this offseason, the top candidates for the fifth spot include Javier Assad, Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski and Jordan Wicks.
All four of those pitchers will be stretched out as starters in Spring Training, while understanding that the bullpen is another route to the roster. Assad, Smyly and Wesneski each spent time in the Cubs’ bullpen last year and had solid showings. If Wicks is not in the rotation, the rookie might be better served staying on a starter’s routine with Triple-A Iowa to open the season.
The 24-year-old Wicks was a first-round pick of the Cubs in 2021 out of Kansas State and made his major league debut in 2023. He went 4-1 with a 4.41 ERA over seven appearances, all starts.
Given the minor league options he has and the veteran nature of the other pitchers, him starting in Triple-A does seem like a likely outcome for new manager Craig Counsell, but everything will ultimately be decided in spring training.
The Cubs finished second in the National league Central a season ago and missed the playoffs, but with a new manager in Counsell, the arrow is pointing up on the North Side.
Spring training begins in less than two weeks.
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