ESPN Analyst Highlights Cubs' Jaxon Wiggins as Breakout Prospect

The hard-throwing right-hander could make his MLB debut this season.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Jaxon Wiggins, the Chicago Cubs' second-ranked prospect, has been identified by ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel as a potential breakout candidate for the 2026 season. Wiggins, a right-handed pitcher, is known for his high-velocity fastball that can reach triple digits, as well as a devastating slider and a developing changeup and curveball. After undergoing Tommy John surgery during his college career at the University of Arkansas, Wiggins was drafted by the Cubs in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft and has quickly become a top prospect in their system.

Why it matters

The Cubs are hoping Wiggins can contribute to their pitching staff this season, either as a starter or a reliever. With his elite raw stuff, Wiggins has the potential to become a frontline starter or dominant bullpen arm for the Cubs, who are looking to return to the playoffs after a few down years.

The details

Wiggins' repertoire includes a fastball that can reach 102 mph, a devastating slider, a tumbling changeup, and a slower curveball. He has started to trust his secondary pitches more, which has made his fastball even more effective. The Cubs selected Wiggins in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft, and he is currently ranked as the organization's second-best prospect behind Moises Ballesteros.

  • Wiggins underwent Tommy John surgery during his junior season at the University of Arkansas.
  • The Cubs selected Wiggins in the second round, 68th overall, of the 2023 MLB Draft.
  • Heading into the 2026 season, Wiggins is ranked as the Cubs' No. 2 prospect.

The players

Jaxon Wiggins

A right-handed pitcher in the Chicago Cubs' minor league system, known for his high-velocity fastball and developing secondary pitches.

Moises Ballesteros

The top-ranked prospect in the Chicago Cubs' system, ahead of Jaxon Wiggins.

Kiley McDaniel

An ESPN analyst who has identified Jaxon Wiggins as a potential breakout prospect for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Wiggins has steadily progressed over the past few years, adding more feel and new pitches to his repertoire, and I have him 50-50 to be a starter or reliever. If he can stick as a starter, there's frontline upside from his plus raw stuff.”

— Kiley McDaniel, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Wiggins will look to continue his development in the Cubs' minor league system, with the goal of making his MLB debut sometime during the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Cubs' investment in Jaxon Wiggins, a high-upside pitching prospect with electric stuff, could pay dividends in the near future as the team looks to return to contention. Wiggins' potential to become a frontline starter or dominant reliever makes him an exciting player to watch in the Cubs' system.