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

It's now or never.

Jordan Campbell

Sep 1, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks (36) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images / Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

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.

Where does Jordan Wicks stand with the Cubs and could he gain another opportunity in the majors? Jed Hoyer says "he's a guy who has a lot of talent, a lot of upside, but it's just about maintaining the consistency to pitch at this level." pic.twitter.com/lhVqTRo7m9
— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) May 20, 2026

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.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.