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.<\/p>\n
The 2025 season, by his own admission, was \u201cextremely frustrating,\u201d a year defined by limited opportunity, shifting roles, and a lingering sense of miscommunication about where he truly fit within the organization\u2019s long term plans.<\/p>\n
Spring Training Reset in Mesa<\/h2>\n\n\n![\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/SIpKf1wViWTJmsOVgAYWrFQIYIHONVkm7yv1UOxWrIY-ZEBuU8t0CCLbk58VxgtoYDVsaoThyjiV0c55spq9-DgT1sc6CR5-Cyi7x6w0y70?purpose=fullsize&v=1\"](\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/SIpKf1wViWTJmsOVgAYWrFQIYIHONVkm7yv1UOxWrIY-ZEBuU8t0CCLbk58VxgtoYDVsaoThyjiV0c55spq9-DgT1sc6CR5-Cyi7x6w0y70?purpose=fullsize&v=1\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"https:\/\/cst.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/af7eea7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4200x2398%2B0%2B201\/resize\/1461x834%21\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Faa%2F00%2Fcb4317574d49bda10bee97ccb0de%2Fwicks-03-st25-8x12-350.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/cst.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/af7eea7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4200x2398%2B0%2B201\/resize\/1461x834%21\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Faa%2F00%2Fcb4317574d49bda10bee97ccb0de%2Fwicks-03-st25-8x12-350.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"https:\/\/cst.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1dff8a4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3600x2055%2B0%2B0\/resize\/1461x834%21\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdc%2F4e%2F66de4cf641e48645564ecfaa2058%2Fst24-wicks-02-8x12.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/cst.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/1dff8a4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3600x2055%2B0%2B0\/resize\/1461x834%21\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdc%2F4e%2F66de4cf641e48645564ecfaa2058%2Fst24-wicks-02-8x12.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\n4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIn 2025, Wicks appeared in only eight Major League games, all out of the bullpen, totaling just 14 1\/3 innings for Chicago.<\/p>\n
For a pitcher once projected as a potential long term rotation piece, the limited sample size felt like a step sideways rather than forward.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s most intriguing arms.<\/p>\n
Yet the numbers alone did not capture the emotional weight of the season.<\/p>\n
Wicks revealed that much of his frustration stemmed from what he described as \u201ca lot of miscommunication\u201d early in the year regarding his role.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want to compete, and you want to compete in a big way,\u201d Wicks said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s 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\u2019s best for your family while also helping the team win.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Learning to Embrace Versatility<\/h2>\n\n\n![\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1536%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg\/mlb\/inavkysmiwx6jqgzlney\"](\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1536%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg\/mlb\/inavkysmiwx6jqgzlney\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/gHorC47iAJl4Fk_P0fWYuw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD04MDA7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https%3A\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2025-04\/12b0fbf0-1c9c-11f0-9fdf-d67ccc8d8316\"](\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/gHorC47iAJl4Fk_P0fWYuw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyMDA7aD04MDA7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https%3A\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2025-04\/12b0fbf0-1c9c-11f0-9fdf-d67ccc8d8316\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/private\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1024%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg%2Cdpr_3.0\/mlb\/nxxfzopb9zkyq8zthw2r\"](\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/private\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1024%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg%2Cdpr_3.0\/mlb\/nxxfzopb9zkyq8zthw2r\")
<\/div>\n\n4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDespite believing firmly that he is a big league caliber starter, Wicks has entered 2026 with a pragmatic outlook.<\/p>\n
The Cubs\u2019 rotation appears largely set barring injury, and the path to innings may initially run through the bullpen.<\/p>\n
Rather than resist that possibility, Wicks has expressed a willingness to embrace it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to be in Chicago,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
That statement reflects a maturation in mindset.<\/p>\n
In today\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Wicks believes his bullpen experience from last year, while frustrating, ultimately broadened his skill set.<\/p>\n
He now feels comfortable warming up quickly, entering with runners on base, and adjusting to shorter bursts of intensity.<\/p>\n
If called upon to handle relief duties in high leverage situations, he insists he will be ready.<\/p>\n
Adjustments on the Mound<\/h2>\n
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy has maintained steady communication with Wicks throughout camp.<\/p>\n
According to Hottovy, the message has been clear: focus on controllables and let performance dictate opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnytime you\u2019re not where you want to be, there\u2019s frustration,\u201d Hottovy acknowledged.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if he takes care of what he can control, he\u2019s going to be a really good pitcher.\u201d<\/p>\n
Encouragingly, Wicks\u2019 velocity ticked up during stretches of last season, particularly while starting at Triple A Iowa.<\/p>\n
More notably, he began incorporating a firmer slider during the final month of 2025, generating sharper break and more consistent swing and miss results.<\/p>\n
The development of that slider could prove crucial in 2026.<\/p>\n
Wicks\u2019 changeup has long been regarded as his signature pitch, one capable of neutralizing right handed hitters and disrupting timing.<\/p>\n
However, adding a harder, more decisive slider gives hitters another variable to consider, potentially making his changeup even more devastating when deployed effectively.<\/p>\n
Another focal point entering this spring has been landing his curveball for strikes more consistently.<\/p>\n
Command within the zone, particularly early in counts, could help him dictate at bats rather than pitching reactively.<\/p>\n
Manager Craig Counsell reinforced the competitive reality facing young pitchers attempting to crack a contending roster.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s supposed to be hard to crack the roster,\u201d Counsell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want to have big goals, it has to be hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that Wicks, along with fellow young arm Ben Brown, must concentrate on becoming the best version of themselves.<\/p>\n
Performance, especially during spring training, can shift bullpen composition decisions quickly.<\/p>\n
A Defining Opportunity<\/h2>\n
For Jordan Wicks, the 2026 season represents more than another year on the calendar.<\/p>\n
It is a proving ground.<\/p>\n
It is an opportunity to redefine how he is viewed within the organization and to demonstrate that last season\u2019s turbulence served as growth rather than regression.<\/p>\n
The Cubs anticipate leaning on their pitching depth at various points throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Injuries, workload management, and the unpredictability of a 162 game season virtually guarantee that additional arms will be required.<\/p>\n
Wicks intends to ensure his name is at the top of that list when the call comes.<\/p>\n
Whether that moment arrives in the bullpen at Wrigley Field or eventually back in the rotation, his objective remains the same.<\/p>\n
Control what he can control.<\/p>\n
Refine his arsenal.<\/p>\n
Stay ready.<\/p>\n
After an \u201cextremely frustrating\u201d campaign, Jordan Wicks enters 2026 with sharpened pitches, recalibrated expectations, and an unwavering determination to make an impact in Chicago when the opportunity arises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jordan Wicks Determined to Reclaim His Place in the Cubs\u2019 Pitching Plans After an \u201cExtremely Frustrating\u201d Season Five years after the Chicago Cubs selected him with their… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":153465,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-153458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n
\ud83d\udea8 BOMBSHELL: Cubs left-hander Jordan Wicks looks ready to make a statement after what he called an \u201cextremely frustrating\u201d season \u2014 and the tone around his comeback feels different this time. Insiders say the adjustments aren\u2019t cosmetic, they\u2019re foundational, hinting at a version of Wicks far sharper than before. If that edge translates to the mound, Chicago\u2019s rotation may be hiding a quiet breakout.. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153458\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 BOMBSHELL: Cubs left-hander Jordan Wicks looks ready to make a statement after what he called an \u201cextremely frustrating\u201d season \u2014 and the tone around his comeback feels different this time. Insiders say the adjustments aren\u2019t cosmetic, they\u2019re foundational, hinting at a version of Wicks far sharper than before. 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Insiders say the adjustments aren\u2019t cosmetic, they\u2019re foundational, hinting at a version of Wicks far sharper than before. If that edge translates to the mound, Chicago\u2019s rotation may be hiding a quiet breakout.. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/","name":"NEWS USA","description":"Your Daily Dose of Sports News and Updates","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/850fd1b8bcb1d322b7f0a04b3d2f18ec","name":"MrThanh","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8c8f2d90ff2a21a61a5e6bc0619622a5021fc65353885d9d7b3db1c8c7c1ca8d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8c8f2d90ff2a21a61a5e6bc0619622a5021fc65353885d9d7b3db1c8c7c1ca8d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"MrThanh"},"url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?author=6"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=153458"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":153469,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153458\/revisions\/153469"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/153465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=153458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=153458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=153458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nIn 2025, Wicks appeared in only eight Major League games, all out of the bullpen, totaling just 14 1\/3 innings for Chicago.<\/p>\n
For a pitcher once projected as a potential long term rotation piece, the limited sample size felt like a step sideways rather than forward.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s most intriguing arms.<\/p>\n
Yet the numbers alone did not capture the emotional weight of the season.<\/p>\n
Wicks revealed that much of his frustration stemmed from what he described as \u201ca lot of miscommunication\u201d early in the year regarding his role.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want to compete, and you want to compete in a big way,\u201d Wicks said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s 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\u2019s best for your family while also helping the team win.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Learning to Embrace Versatility<\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDespite believing firmly that he is a big league caliber starter, Wicks has entered 2026 with a pragmatic outlook.<\/p>\n
The Cubs\u2019 rotation appears largely set barring injury, and the path to innings may initially run through the bullpen.<\/p>\n
Rather than resist that possibility, Wicks has expressed a willingness to embrace it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to be in Chicago,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
That statement reflects a maturation in mindset.<\/p>\n
In today\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Wicks believes his bullpen experience from last year, while frustrating, ultimately broadened his skill set.<\/p>\n
He now feels comfortable warming up quickly, entering with runners on base, and adjusting to shorter bursts of intensity.<\/p>\n
If called upon to handle relief duties in high leverage situations, he insists he will be ready.<\/p>\n
Adjustments on the Mound<\/h2>\n
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy has maintained steady communication with Wicks throughout camp.<\/p>\n
According to Hottovy, the message has been clear: focus on controllables and let performance dictate opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnytime you\u2019re not where you want to be, there\u2019s frustration,\u201d Hottovy acknowledged.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if he takes care of what he can control, he\u2019s going to be a really good pitcher.\u201d<\/p>\n
Encouragingly, Wicks\u2019 velocity ticked up during stretches of last season, particularly while starting at Triple A Iowa.<\/p>\n
More notably, he began incorporating a firmer slider during the final month of 2025, generating sharper break and more consistent swing and miss results.<\/p>\n
The development of that slider could prove crucial in 2026.<\/p>\n
Wicks\u2019 changeup has long been regarded as his signature pitch, one capable of neutralizing right handed hitters and disrupting timing.<\/p>\n
However, adding a harder, more decisive slider gives hitters another variable to consider, potentially making his changeup even more devastating when deployed effectively.<\/p>\n
Another focal point entering this spring has been landing his curveball for strikes more consistently.<\/p>\n
Command within the zone, particularly early in counts, could help him dictate at bats rather than pitching reactively.<\/p>\n
Manager Craig Counsell reinforced the competitive reality facing young pitchers attempting to crack a contending roster.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s supposed to be hard to crack the roster,\u201d Counsell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want to have big goals, it has to be hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that Wicks, along with fellow young arm Ben Brown, must concentrate on becoming the best version of themselves.<\/p>\n
Performance, especially during spring training, can shift bullpen composition decisions quickly.<\/p>\n
A Defining Opportunity<\/h2>\n
For Jordan Wicks, the 2026 season represents more than another year on the calendar.<\/p>\n
It is a proving ground.<\/p>\n
It is an opportunity to redefine how he is viewed within the organization and to demonstrate that last season\u2019s turbulence served as growth rather than regression.<\/p>\n
The Cubs anticipate leaning on their pitching depth at various points throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Injuries, workload management, and the unpredictability of a 162 game season virtually guarantee that additional arms will be required.<\/p>\n
Wicks intends to ensure his name is at the top of that list when the call comes.<\/p>\n
Whether that moment arrives in the bullpen at Wrigley Field or eventually back in the rotation, his objective remains the same.<\/p>\n
Control what he can control.<\/p>\n
Refine his arsenal.<\/p>\n
Stay ready.<\/p>\n
After an \u201cextremely frustrating\u201d campaign, Jordan Wicks enters 2026 with sharpened pitches, recalibrated expectations, and an unwavering determination to make an impact in Chicago when the opportunity arises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\ud83d\udea8 BOMBSHELL: Cubs left-hander Jordan Wicks looks ready to make a statement after what he called an \u201cextremely frustrating\u201d season \u2014 and the tone around his comeback feels different this time. Insiders say the adjustments aren\u2019t cosmetic, they\u2019re foundational, hinting at a version of Wicks far sharper than before. 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If that edge translates to the mound, Chicago\u2019s rotation may be hiding a quiet breakout.. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153458#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153458#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/avtnew-26-2.jpg","datePublished":"2026-02-16T15:16:50+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-16T15:16:50+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/850fd1b8bcb1d322b7f0a04b3d2f18ec"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153458#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153458"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153458#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/avtnew-26-2.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/avtnew-26-2.jpg","width":1080,"height":1080},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153458#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"\ud83d\udea8 BOMBSHELL: Cubs left-hander Jordan Wicks looks ready to make a statement after what he called an \u201cextremely frustrating\u201d season \u2014 and the tone around his comeback feels different this time. Insiders say the adjustments aren\u2019t cosmetic, they\u2019re foundational, hinting at a version of Wicks far sharper than before. If that edge translates to the mound, Chicago\u2019s rotation may be hiding a quiet breakout.. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/","name":"NEWS USA","description":"Your Daily Dose of Sports News and Updates","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/850fd1b8bcb1d322b7f0a04b3d2f18ec","name":"MrThanh","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8c8f2d90ff2a21a61a5e6bc0619622a5021fc65353885d9d7b3db1c8c7c1ca8d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8c8f2d90ff2a21a61a5e6bc0619622a5021fc65353885d9d7b3db1c8c7c1ca8d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"MrThanh"},"url":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?author=6"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=153458"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153458\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":153469,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/153458\/revisions\/153469"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/153465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=153458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=153458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=153458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Despite believing firmly that he is a big league caliber starter, Wicks has entered 2026 with a pragmatic outlook.<\/p>\n
The Cubs\u2019 rotation appears largely set barring injury, and the path to innings may initially run through the bullpen.<\/p>\n
Rather than resist that possibility, Wicks has expressed a willingness to embrace it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to be in Chicago,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
That statement reflects a maturation in mindset.<\/p>\n
In today\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Wicks believes his bullpen experience from last year, while frustrating, ultimately broadened his skill set.<\/p>\n
He now feels comfortable warming up quickly, entering with runners on base, and adjusting to shorter bursts of intensity.<\/p>\n
If called upon to handle relief duties in high leverage situations, he insists he will be ready.<\/p>\n
Adjustments on the Mound<\/h2>\n
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy has maintained steady communication with Wicks throughout camp.<\/p>\n
According to Hottovy, the message has been clear: focus on controllables and let performance dictate opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnytime you\u2019re not where you want to be, there\u2019s frustration,\u201d Hottovy acknowledged.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if he takes care of what he can control, he\u2019s going to be a really good pitcher.\u201d<\/p>\n
Encouragingly, Wicks\u2019 velocity ticked up during stretches of last season, particularly while starting at Triple A Iowa.<\/p>\n
More notably, he began incorporating a firmer slider during the final month of 2025, generating sharper break and more consistent swing and miss results.<\/p>\n
The development of that slider could prove crucial in 2026.<\/p>\n
Wicks\u2019 changeup has long been regarded as his signature pitch, one capable of neutralizing right handed hitters and disrupting timing.<\/p>\n
However, adding a harder, more decisive slider gives hitters another variable to consider, potentially making his changeup even more devastating when deployed effectively.<\/p>\n
Another focal point entering this spring has been landing his curveball for strikes more consistently.<\/p>\n
Command within the zone, particularly early in counts, could help him dictate at bats rather than pitching reactively.<\/p>\n
Manager Craig Counsell reinforced the competitive reality facing young pitchers attempting to crack a contending roster.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s supposed to be hard to crack the roster,\u201d Counsell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want to have big goals, it has to be hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that Wicks, along with fellow young arm Ben Brown, must concentrate on becoming the best version of themselves.<\/p>\n
Performance, especially during spring training, can shift bullpen composition decisions quickly.<\/p>\n
A Defining Opportunity<\/h2>\n
For Jordan Wicks, the 2026 season represents more than another year on the calendar.<\/p>\n
It is a proving ground.<\/p>\n
It is an opportunity to redefine how he is viewed within the organization and to demonstrate that last season\u2019s turbulence served as growth rather than regression.<\/p>\n
The Cubs anticipate leaning on their pitching depth at various points throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Injuries, workload management, and the unpredictability of a 162 game season virtually guarantee that additional arms will be required.<\/p>\n
Wicks intends to ensure his name is at the top of that list when the call comes.<\/p>\n
Whether that moment arrives in the bullpen at Wrigley Field or eventually back in the rotation, his objective remains the same.<\/p>\n
Control what he can control.<\/p>\n
Refine his arsenal.<\/p>\n
Stay ready.<\/p>\n
After an \u201cextremely frustrating\u201d campaign, Jordan Wicks enters 2026 with sharpened pitches, recalibrated expectations, and an unwavering determination to make an impact in Chicago when the opportunity arises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jordan Wicks Determined to Reclaim His Place in the Cubs\u2019 Pitching Plans After an \u201cExtremely Frustrating\u201d Season Five years after the Chicago Cubs selected him with their… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":153465,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-153458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n