3 potential Cubs call-ups who are tearing it up at Triple-A in 2026

The Chicago Cubs have two ten-game winning streaks this season, which is carrying their impression of a contender in the National League. That's not to say that the Cubs aren't a contender, but it's a reminder that the roster is far from a finished product.

The Cubs have a need in the starting rotation and for another high-end relief pitcher, and it feels like a safe assumption to suggest that one of those will be addressed at the trade deadline. Jed Hoyer and Co. certainly will need to have an aggressive approach at the deadline, but the team may need to rely on a call-up or two to stabilize the roster.

Here are a few Cubs players who seem destined for a promotion from Triple-A Iowa.

With a farm system that isn't as strong as it once was, the Cubs don't have a stream of top prospects they can turn. Sure, there are a handful of prospects who could make a difference before the end of the season, but there are also some veterans who could find their way back to Wrigley Field.

Jordan Wicks

Jordan Wicks had two consecutive starts with the Iowa Cubs this season, where he gave up six runs. Outside of those outings, the former first-round picks have been fantastic. Recovered from a spring training, Wicks appears to be fully stretched out and ready for a promotion in case a need surfaces in the Major League rotation.

During the offseason, Wicks tweaked his pitch grips, including altering his delivery. There was hope that the work could renew his value to the Cubs, and if there's another injury to the rotation, his name may be called. In his last two starts with the I-Cubs, he's only given up one run while striking out 10 in 10 innings of work.

Kevin Alcántara

By most outlets, Kevin Alcántara is still considered the best prospect in the Cubs' system. The most impact that Alcántara will have for the Cubs this season will likely be as a trade chip. But with Pete Crow-Armstrong struggling to find his offensive floor, and Moises Ballesteros being pushed out of the starting lineup recently, there's a chance that the young catcher eventually gets swapped out for Alántara.

To be clear, the Cubs probably aren't at that point now, but it's hard to ignore the power output Alcántara has had this season with the Iowa Cubs. He has 14 home runs through the first two months of the season, and with struggles across the Cubs' outfield, perhaps now is the time to give him another look.

Pedro Ramirez

Pedro Ramirez has been the talk of the Cubs' minor-league system to open the season, and it's due to his offense taking a step forward upon his promotion to Triple-A Iowa. Ramirez is slashing .312/.395/.547 with a wRC+ of 136. He's also demonstrated positional versatility and feels like a natural replacement for Nicky Lopez at some point this season.

Ramirez's ascension also has him considered as one of the Cubs' top trade chips this season. Matt Shaw is also expected to draw trade interest and if he's moved, Ramirez seems destined to take his spot on the roster.

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