Chicago Cubs prospect Jordan Wicks feeling ‘refreshed’ at minicamp

Jordan Wicks joined an exclusive club in 2021. After being taken with the 21st overall pick by the Chicago Cubs, the Kansas State product became the first first-round draft pick in program history.

As a sophomore, Wicks led the Big 12 in strikeouts (118) while also setting the program’s single-season record. The big lefty made 15 starts for the Wildcats, posting a 3.70 ERA over 92.1 IP, achieving double-digit strikeouts four times.

After the draft, Wicks was assigned to Low-A South Bend and made four starts. He was welcomed by allowing four runs in 7.0 IP but also struck out five batters.

Despite the mixed results in a limited sample size, the Conway, Arkansas native was thankful for the opportunity and is ready for his first full minor league season.

"“I was excited to be able to get out to South Bend and get a little bit of experience,” he said at Cubs’ mini camp in Mesa, Arizona. “That way, going into the season, I know what to expect playing at an affiliate. That being said, I’m twice as excited for this season as I was for that one, just being refreshed. I feel a lot fresher than I did when I went up to South Bend last year, and I’m just excited for the progress I made.”"

After getting his feet wet in South Bend, Chicago Cubs prospect Jordan Wicks looks forward to a full minor league season as a starter.

Wicks made his professional debut in early September and struck out the first batter he faced before retiring the side in order.

He’s ranked as the organization’s No. 6 prospect, while scouts have raved about his changeup, calling it the best in his draft class.

Wicks is one of several recent draft picks participating in the Cubs’ minicamp this week. 2020 first-rounder Ed Howard, 2018 second-rounder Brennen Davis, 2021 second-round James Triantos, and 2021 international free agent signee Cristian Hernandez were also among those in attendance.

"“I think it’s really cool to have this collection of talent all together, you know, the minor league guys getting together and coming out together,” Wicks said of this week’s camp. “This is my first time being able to see everybody because you miss a lot of the guys when they’re in their affiliates. It’s been awesome to see everybody and what they bring to the table.”"

Wicks is expected to begin the season in South Bend, whose season opens at home on April 8. He could be on the fast path to Wrigley, with MLB Pipeline projecting Wicks to make his big league debut sometime in 2023.