Cubs' Top Pitching Prospect Jaxon Wiggins Gains Experience in First Big-League Camp

The 24-year-old right-hander faces off against experienced hitters as he continues to develop his four-pitch mix.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Jaxon Wiggins, the Chicago Cubs' top pitching prospect, is getting his first taste of big-league camp this spring. The 24-year-old right-hander faced off against experienced hitters like Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong in live batting practice, providing a good gauge of how his four-pitch repertoire can play against major league talent. Wiggins, a 2023 second-round draft pick, spent the offseason adding muscle and refining his changeup and slider, as he looks to improve his command and strike-throwing ability after posting high walk rates in the minors.

Why it matters

The Cubs have shown a willingness to give their top prospects a chance to prove themselves at the big-league level when the organization feels their performance warrants a promotion. Wiggins is part of that group, and his development this spring could determine when he gets his first opportunity in the majors.

The details

Wiggins' live BP session against Busch and Crow-Armstrong provided a good challenge as he continues to adapt to facing more experienced hitters. He battled back from an early count deficit against Busch, eventually getting him to swing and miss at an offspeed pitch. Wiggins focused on adding 10 pounds of lean muscle this offseason, while also refining his changeup and implementing a new slider grip. Though he's struggled with command at times in the minors, posting high walk rates, the Cubs believe more reps and continued development will help him throw more strikes.

  • Wiggins faced off against hitters in live batting practice on Friday at the Cubs' spring training complex in Mesa, Arizona.
  • Wiggins spent most of the offseason working out at the Cubs' complex, adding weight and honing his repertoire.
  • Wiggins made three starts at Triple-A Iowa at the end of the 2025 season, throwing 9 2/3 innings.

The players

Jaxon Wiggins

The Chicago Cubs' top pitching prospect, a 24-year-old right-hander who was a 2023 second-round draft pick.

Michael Busch

A first baseman in the Cubs' organization who faced off against Wiggins in live batting practice.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A center fielder in the Cubs' organization who faced off against Wiggins in live batting practice.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Tommy Hottovy

The pitching coach for the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“Those guys are super experienced, and they all have good tools, they know the zone, they know what they're supposed to do, so going against those guys is really good for anybody. It definitely gives you confidence a little bit, but just try not to think about any of that, just doing what I do.”

— Jaxon Wiggins (Chicago Tribune)

“If you watch him, he's throwing very professional appearances in his bullpens and his live (BP), very professional. He absolutely has the ability to do it. But the reps take it because you're stacking on better pitch shapes, execution, better hitters as you move up. So you're just stacking all these things up and one of them is better execution.”

— Craig Counsell, Manager (Chicago Tribune)

“Guys have freedom when they think that way, like, 'I'm just going to go do my work, I'm going to keep doing what I do, and then my time comes, we'll know.' For the year he had and where he's been trending and to be on the radar, he's definitely in that group of guys we're going to keep our eye on. But he's also a guy we don't feel like we need to rush because we are going to have a lot of those others (among our depth). But I'd love to see him force his way into that conversation.”

— Tommy Hottovy, Pitching Coach (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.