Don’t be surprised if Cubs make bold move with this top prospect in 2026

For yet another offseason, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a position where they need a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher but might not be willing to pay the financial cost to get one. Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suarez are the top free-agent starting pitchers on the market this winter, but all three could command deals north of $125MM. A concept that is foreign to Jed Hoyer.

Before the Hot Stove has started in earnest, the most likely outcome is that the Cubs will follow a blueprint they had last offseason and at the trade deadline. The Cubs will likely look to the trade market to get a controllable ace, but if they aren't willing to part with the prospect, they likely will look for the sequel to their signing of Matthew Boyd last offseason.

The silver lining is that, on paper, the Cubs don't have a terrible rotation. Cade Horton figures to emerge as the true ace of the staff in 2026, with the Cubs also getting Justin Steele back, and Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga in the middle of the rotation. That leaves Jameson Taillon as the fifth starter, and that is far from a terrible outcome.

In fact, when Hoyer welcomes reporters back to spring training next season, that likely is going to be the first thing he points to when asked why the Cubs didn't add an ace this offseason. However, it may also set the stage for a bold move for one of the team's top prospects.

Don’t rule out this bold Cubs move with rising prospect

Much like Horton was the breakout star of the Cubs' rotation this season, the same might be said about Jaxon Wiggins next season. Wiggins is currently the Cubs' No. 3 prospect and finished the 2025 season with the Iowa Cubs. Assuming Wiggins also opens the 2026 season with the I-Cubs, he likely will be at Wrigley Field before the end of the summer.

Wiggins struck out over 31% of the hitters he faced last year at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels. The Cubs don't just have a need for a top-of-the-rotation arm; they have a need for pitchers who can miss bats. Wiggins seems to be the long-term answer.

To be clear, even with Wiggins on the ascent, the Cubs should still shouldn't shy away from landing a true ace this offseason. Though with a front office that acts stubborn when they should be aggressive, Wiggins might just be the key development for the Cubs next season.