Jed Hoyer reveals what the Cubs need to see from Jordan Wicks

As the Chicago Cubs' pitching depth has been thinned by injuries over the first several weeks of the 2026 season, many have wondered if that would set the stage for Jordan Wicks' return to the rotation. Wicks once looked like a long-term fixture in the rotation, but injuries and regression have turned him into an up-and-down arm in recent years.

The Cubs have already moved Ben Brown to the rotation, and while Matthew Boyd is making progress in his recovery from meniscus surgery, another injury would leave the team in dire straits for the rotation. Wicks opened the season on a minor-league rehab assignment, but was optioned to Triple-A by the end of it.

Through six starts with the Iowa Cubs this season, Wicks has an ERA of 5.48. It doesn't tell the full story, considering Wicks had two starts where he gave up six runs. As for his other four starts, he's allowed one run or less. He's also struck out 10 over his last two outings.

It would seem that Wicks is once again trending in the right direction, prompting Jed Hoyer to tell The Score Chicago that the plan remains for the former first-round pick to factor into the team's plans eventually this season.

Jordan Wicks has not been forgotten

As for what Wicks needs to show to prove that he's ready for another opportunity, Hoyer suggested it was a matter of consistency. In other words, if Wicks continues the progression that he's made over his most recent two starts, it would seem likely that he is with the big-league club in the near future.

Hoyer's suggestion that Wicks will soon have a role on the 2026 team is a reminder that the front office is still relying on the internal depth they have in the organization. That would be the reason why Javier Assad is being stretched out with the I-Cubs, and Brown's success in the rotation is an important development for the team.

That being said, the series against the Brewers should add some urgency for the Cubs. Internal options may not be enough to keep Milwaukee at bay. Eventually, the Cubs are going to have to act with urgency in the trade market. Wicks could certainly bridge the gap for the Cubs until they make an external upgrade, but that can only take the team so far.

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