Cubs have a new trade chip or rotation lifeline after Jordan Wicks’ return

Given the recent string of success Jordan Wicks was having with the Iowa Cubs, it seemed inevitable that he was going to get a call back to the Major League level. The calf injury to Jameson Taillon created the opening for Wicks on the Major League roster, and the former first-round pick made his return appearance for the Cubs during their blowout victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday night.

Wick was excellent as he tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out 2. It was a callback to how Wicks looked when he first made his Major League debut with the Cubs in 2023, and might change the conversation of what's next for the former top Cubs' pitching prospect.

Before Taillon's injury, it seemed that Wicks was an obvious trade chip for the Cubs. The Cubs were expected to add a starting pitcher who could slot near the top of their rotation, and Wicks would have been a likely piece to be included in such a trade for the Cubs, as the other team would be getting a cost-controlled pitcher who has Major League experience.

Jordan Wicks just gave the Cubs something unexpected to think about

Now, in the aftermath of Taillon's injury, the Cubs may prefer to keep Wicks past the deadline. That holds especially true when you consider Javier Assad's return won't be until closer to September, and Ben Brown is in the early stages of working on things with the Iowa Cubs. Wicks is valuable insurance in case there is another injury within the rotation. As for his role moving forward, Craig Counsell has yet to confirm if Wicks will move to the rotation. Another option is Chris Flexen, who began being stretched out during Saturday's loss by working 3 2/3 innings.

If the Cubs don't want to interrupt the success Flexen is having while working out of the bullpen, Wicks would be the logical candidate to take Taillon's spot in the rotation moving forward. At least, until the Cubs make a trade for another veteran.

Regardless, if Wicks pitches like he did on Sunday moving forward, that is a great sign for the Cubs. Either they have a trade chip with renewed value and recent Major League success, or they have a valuable safety net for their pitching staff.

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