The Cubs' Rising Star: A Prospect's Motivation
In a recent development that has sparked excitement among Chicago Cubs fans, a new prospect ranking list has emerged, placing Kevin Alcantara at the top of the club's prospects. This comes as a surprise, especially considering Alcantara's absence from many other top-100 rankings. But here's where it gets interesting...
Keith Law's preseason top 100 prospects list, published on The Athletic, featured three Cubs prospects: Alcantara, Moises Ballesteros, and Jefferson Rojas. Notably missing was Jaxon Wiggins, a right-handed pitching prospect with a promising future. The Cubs have high hopes for Wiggins to follow in the footsteps of Cade Horton and make an impact on their rotation this season.
However, Wiggins' exclusion from the top-100 wasn't the only motivation he received. Law's subsequent article on the prospects who 'just missed' the cut also failed to include Wiggins' name. This snub has undoubtedly fueled Wiggins' determination to prove his worth.
Wiggins' Dominant 2026 Season
Jaxon Wiggins, a former Arkansas Razorback, had an impressive 2026 season in the Cubs' system. He spent most of the 2025 campaign with Double-A Knoxville, where he dominated with a stellar 1.93 ERA in 10 starts. Wiggins also showcased his skills at High-A South Bend, posting a 1.71 ERA in 26 1/3 innings. His first taste of Triple-A action was a mixed bag, but his 13 K/9 rate certainly turned heads.
Overall, Wiggins finished the year with a remarkable 2.77 ERA across 78 innings pitched, a new single-season high. While this impressive performance might have contributed to Law's decision to leave him off the rankings, it's important to remember that controlled workloads don't always equate to a lack of impact at the big-league level. Just look at Cade Horton's journey last summer.
Horton's Success Story
Heading into 2026, Cade Horton's story serves as an inspiring example. Despite throwing more than 75 innings in a season only once (in 2022, when he split time between A, High-A, and Double-A), Horton's controlled workload didn't hinder his success. After a strong start in the minors, Horton made a Jake Arrieta-like impact in the second half of the season, ultimately finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
While Wiggins may not replicate Horton's exact trajectory, there's no denying his potential. He possesses the skills to succeed at the big-league level, and 2026 presents an exciting opportunity for him to showcase his abilities in the minors and, hopefully, at Wrigley Field.
So, will Wiggins rise to the occasion and prove his doubters wrong? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts on Wiggins' prospects? Do you think he has what it takes to make a significant impact for the Cubs? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
