Top 5 Chicago Cubs pitching prospects that have yet to make their MLB debut

1. Jordan Wicks

Jordan Wicks is the best chance the Cubs have at developing a high-level homegrown starting pitcher, something they have not done in nearly a decade. The odds look good, as MLB Pipeline named Wicks their 6th-best left-handed pitching prospect in their pre-season rankings from January. The 6'3 southpaw was drafted by the Cubs in the 1st round (21st overall) of the 2021 Draft out of Kansas State. Wicks features a four-pitch mix, consisting of a fastball, curveball, slider, and his low-80s changeup is his most effective pitch.

The young lefty will be 24 years old in September, and he is estimated to make it to the big leagues sometime this season if things go according to plan. Wicks' makeup is similar to Jon Lester's due to his big frame, competitiveness, simple delivery, and ability to pound the strike zone with confidence on both sides of the plate. In 2022, Wicks made it as high as the Tennessee Smokies, the Cubs Double AA minor league affiliate. In 24 minor league starts, Wicks sported a 3.80 ERA in 94.2 innings while setting down 121 batters via strikeout. He is currently ranked as the Cubs no. 5 prospect by MLB.