Chicago Cubs Insider Believes Top Prospect to Make Debut Against Pirates

A report out of Des Moines indicates that one of the Chicago Cubs' top pitching prospects is no longer with the team.

Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jordan Wicks is no longer with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, per a report on Friday by the Des Moines Register.

The report, filed via Twitter, referenced a source that let the paper know that Wicks was no longer with the team. The report went on to say that a start over the weekend, could be next.

The Cubs cleared a space in their rotation for Sunday’s game with the Pittsburgh Pirates with the move of veteran left-hander Drew Smyly to the bullpen.

It’s possible Wicks could take that spot or move into the Saturday spot, as he has not thrown this week. He was scratched from his expected start with the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday, which prompted speculation that he might get called up.

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.

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