3 Cubs prospects suddenly expendable at the trade deadline after the 2026 MLB Draft

The Chicago Cubs are positioned to be aggressive buyers at the 2026 trade deadline. The Milwaukee Brewers haven't slammed the door shut in the National League Central, and the Cubs are in control in the National League Wild Card race. Combine that with the urgent moves Jed Hoyer and Co. made last winter by signing Alex Bregman and trading for Edward Cabrera, and it's clear that the focus is on winning now.

In other words, holding onto prospects shouldn't be a part of the conversation for the Cubs at the deadline. There are some prospects who should be held in high regard, but for the most part, the Cubs shouldn't be afraid to trade from their farm system this summer.

These 3 Cubs prospects are more expendable at the trade deadline after the 2026 MLB Draft

The prospects who probably come close to untouchable status are Josiah Hartshorn, Jefferson Rojas, and Owen Ayers. Even then, in the right deal, there's a case to be made that the Cubs shouldn't steer clear of those conversation. That being said, there are other prospects who certainly look to be more expendable after the 2026 MLB Draft.

Jaxon Wiggins

In a perfect world, the Cubs likely prefer to keep Jaxon Wiggins. Even if Cade Townsend has unseated Wiggins as the top pitching prospect in the system, an organization can never have enough high-ceiling pitching prospects.

That said, assuming the Cubs want to add a starting pitcher before the deadline, the team offering up said pitcher will likely look to restock by adding a starting pitcher, even if it's not someone capable of immediately stepping into a big-league role. Along those lines, Wiggins is the easiest way for the Cubs to check that box in any trade offer.

Kane Kepley

While the Cubs' focus during the 2026 MLB draft was on pitching, their second-round selection was on outfielder Caden Sorrell. As a reminder, 2026 draft picks can't be traded this summer (It's possible they become the player to be named later in a deal), but Sorrell's selection may push Kane Kepley closer to becoming a trade chip ahead of the deadline.

A 2025 draft pick, Kepley boasts an OPS of .832 in High-A this season. He has the speed and defensive prowess that makes it clear his future is in center field, a position that figures to be occupied by Pete Crow-Armstrong for quite some time. While Hartshorn, largely because of his power potential, is someone the Cubs may want to keep, this feels like an ideal time for the Cubs to take advantage of Kepley's hot start to his career.

Mason McGwire

The Cubs have flushed the organization with more pitching after the 2026 MLB Draft. For the same reaons why the Cubs should be willing to include Wiggins in the right trade, the argument can also be made for Mason McGwire.

McGwire's stock is on the rise, being named to the MLB All-Star Futures Game. In 56 innings pitched this season, across Low-A and High-A, McGwire s striking out 31% of the hitters he's faced this season. Assuming a seller is looking to replenish their pitching depth, at any level of their organization, McGwire is another prospect the Cubs shouldn't be afraid to trade.

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