Chicago Cubs roster cuts include MLB top pitching prospect

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Mar 8, 2026 3:29 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have begun trimming their spring training roster to get ready for Opening Day, going from 62 players to 53.

Of the names cut from the roster, infielders James Triantos and Pedro Ramirez got optioned to Triple-A Iowa (Triantos) and Double-A Knoixville (Ramirez), with right-hander and MLB No. 58 prospect Jaxon Wiggins getting returned to minor league camp.

Triantos had been performing well in camp — hitting .280 with a double, four RBI, and three stolen bases in 12 games. Ramirez had been doing enough to stay to compete for a spot on the big league roster — batting .368 with a home run, a double, six RBI, three walks, and four stolen bases in 11 games — but there’s no room for Triantos or Ramirez on the roster at the moment.

Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv: pic.twitter.com/JYwYTReKr8

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 8, 2026

Jaxon Wiggins still has work to do before he can join the Chicago Cubs rotation

Jan 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A detail shot of a hat as Alex Bergman is introduced as a new Chicago Cubs player at a press conference at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Wiggins had the opposite spring training from Triantos and Ramierz, struggling in his two appearances — allowing five runs (all earned, 13.50 ERA) on six hits, walking one, and striking out five.

The former second-round pick (2023 MLB Draft) from the University of Arkansas performed well at High-A South Bend last season — 1-2 with a 1.71 ERA in six games (five starts, 26.1 innings) — and Double-A Knoxville — 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 10 starts (42.0 innings). However, Wiggins struggled in three starts at Triple-A Iowa, going 0-2 with a 4.66 ERA and walking six (striking out 14) in 9.2 innings.

Wiggin’s control has been his issue, having 72 walks in 137.2 innings between 2024 and 2025. In his grades as a pitcher — MLB uses a 20-80 scale for grading prospects’ tools, with 20 being the worst and 80 the best — Wiggins gets a 45 grade (below average) for his control.

Likely to start the season in the Iowa Cubs starting rotation, Wiggins working on his command is a must if he wants to get a call-up to the big league club this season.

Jun 10, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; A Chicago Cubs bag sits on the field before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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