Jordan Wicks Determined to Reclaim His Place in the Cubs’ Pitching Plans After an “Extremely Frustrating” Season
Five years after the Chicago Cubs selected him with their top draft pick, left handed pitcher Jordan Wicks finds himself at a pivotal crossroads in his Major League career.
Now 26 years old, Wicks enters spring training in Mesa, Arizona, fighting not just for a roster spot, but for clarity, stability, and the opportunity to reestablish himself as a meaningful contributor at the highest level.
The 2025 season, by his own admission, was “extremely frustrating,” a year defined by limited opportunity, shifting roles, and a lingering sense of miscommunication about where he truly fit within the organization’s long term plans.
Spring Training Reset in Mesa
In 2025, Wicks appeared in only eight Major League games, all out of the bullpen, totaling just 14 1/3 innings for Chicago.
For a pitcher once projected as a potential long term rotation piece, the limited sample size felt like a step sideways rather than forward.
Early in July, the Cubs deployed him in relief appearances of three innings or more, experimenting with how his starter background might translate into multi inning bullpen work.
By late August, he was used in back to back one inning stints, a dramatic shift from the rhythm and preparation routine of a traditional starter.
He returned again in late September and delivered four scoreless innings across two outings, flashing the poise and pitch mix that once made him one of the organization’s most intriguing arms.
Yet the numbers alone did not capture the emotional weight of the season.
Wicks revealed that much of his frustration stemmed from what he described as “a lot of miscommunication” early in the year regarding his role.
Having never pitched out of the bullpen prior to last season, he felt the transition happened abruptly, without the runway most pitchers need to adapt both physically and mentally.
“You want to compete, and you want to compete in a big way,” Wicks said.
“But it’s tough balancing what you want for your own career with being part of a team, because at the end of the day you have to do what’s best for your family while also helping the team win.”
He acknowledged that at times he and the organization did not always see eye to eye on certain matters, a reality that can be difficult for any young pitcher still carving out his identity.
At the same time, he emphasized his respect and appreciation for his teammates and coaching staff, underscoring that daily relationships within the clubhouse remain strong.
Learning to Embrace Versatility
Despite believing firmly that he is a big league caliber starter, Wicks has entered 2026 with a pragmatic outlook.
The Cubs’ rotation appears largely set barring injury, and the path to innings may initially run through the bullpen.
Rather than resist that possibility, Wicks has expressed a willingness to embrace it.
“I want to be in Chicago,” he said.
“You do not play this game to pitch in Iowa just because you could start. You want to pitch in Chicago and contribute in any role that you can.”
That statement reflects a maturation in mindset.
In today’s Major League environment, roster flexibility has become a premium commodity, and pitchers who can bridge innings, handle leverage spots, or step into the rotation when needed carry amplified value.
Wicks believes his bullpen experience from last year, while frustrating, ultimately broadened his skill set.
He now feels comfortable warming up quickly, entering with runners on base, and adjusting to shorter bursts of intensity.
If called upon to handle relief duties in high leverage situations, he insists he will be ready.
Adjustments on the Mound
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy has maintained steady communication with Wicks throughout camp.
According to Hottovy, the message has been clear: focus on controllables and let performance dictate opportunity.
“Anytime you’re not where you want to be, there’s frustration,” Hottovy acknowledged.
“But if he takes care of what he can control, he’s going to be a really good pitcher.”
Encouragingly, Wicks’ velocity ticked up during stretches of last season, particularly while starting at Triple A Iowa.
More notably, he began incorporating a firmer slider during the final month of 2025, generating sharper break and more consistent swing and miss results.
The development of that slider could prove crucial in 2026.
Wicks’ changeup has long been regarded as his signature pitch, one capable of neutralizing right handed hitters and disrupting timing.
However, adding a harder, more decisive slider gives hitters another variable to consider, potentially making his changeup even more devastating when deployed effectively.
Another focal point entering this spring has been landing his curveball for strikes more consistently.
Command within the zone, particularly early in counts, could help him dictate at bats rather than pitching reactively.
Manager Craig Counsell reinforced the competitive reality facing young pitchers attempting to crack a contending roster.
“It’s supposed to be hard to crack the roster,” Counsell said.
“If you want to have big goals, it has to be hard.”
He noted that Wicks, along with fellow young arm Ben Brown, must concentrate on becoming the best version of themselves.
Performance, especially during spring training, can shift bullpen composition decisions quickly.
A Defining Opportunity
For Jordan Wicks, the 2026 season represents more than another year on the calendar.
It is a proving ground.
It is an opportunity to redefine how he is viewed within the organization and to demonstrate that last season’s turbulence served as growth rather than regression.
The Cubs anticipate leaning on their pitching depth at various points throughout the year.
Injuries, workload management, and the unpredictability of a 162 game season virtually guarantee that additional arms will be required.
Wicks intends to ensure his name is at the top of that list when the call comes.
Whether that moment arrives in the bullpen at Wrigley Field or eventually back in the rotation, his objective remains the same.
Control what he can control.
Refine his arsenal.
Stay ready.
After an “extremely frustrating” campaign, Jordan Wicks enters 2026 with sharpened pitches, recalibrated expectations, and an unwavering determination to make an impact in Chicago when the opportunity arises.
