CHICAGO — As the new MLB season approaches, all eyes usually turn to established stars. But this year, a young name within the Chicago Cubs system is unexpectedly becoming the focus of analysts’ attention: Jaxon Wiggins.

In a recent analysis, ESPN experts called Wiggins “one of the Cubs’ most promising players this year,” suggesting the young pitcher has explosive potential and could even make a big impact on the team if given the opportunity in MLB.

For Cubs fans, this could be the next name in the wave of young talent the team is placing high hopes on.

Wiggins is no stranger to those who follow the Cubs’ training system. The 24-year-old pitcher made a strong impression during his college basketball days at the University of Arkansas, where he caught the attention of scouts thanks to his incredibly high pitching speed.

Wiggins’ fastball can reach 102 mph, a figure that would make many MLB scouts jump out of their seats watching him play.

But what makes experts value Wiggins more than just speed.

He possesses a diverse pitching set:

A high-speed fastball with good hand control

A sharp slider

A changeup with a tricky drop

A slower curveball with good break

This combination has led many experts to believe that Wiggins could develop into a top-tier starting pitcher if things go right.

Wiggins’ path to MLB hasn’t been easy.

In his senior year of college, he underwent surgery for Tommy John—a serious injury for any pitcher.

However, his potential was so great that the Chicago Cubs still selected Wiggins in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft, at 68th overall.

That decision is beginning to show signs of being the right one.

After returning to play in the Cubs’ minor league, Wiggins quickly made an impression. In the recent season, he achieved an ERA of 2.19 with 97 strikeouts in 78 innings, progressing through the ranks from High-A to Triple-A.

These numbers caught the attention of the Cubs’ coaching staff.

According to ESPN expert Kiley McDaniel, Wiggins is one of the Cubs’ most explosive young players.

He noted that the young pitcher has significantly improved his control and versatility in the pitch, making his fastball even more dangerous.

McDaniel assessed:

“Wiggins has steadily improved over the past few years, adding more pitches and a better feel for the pitch.”

He even suggested that Wiggins has a 50-50 chance of becoming a starter or reliever, but if he develops properly as a starter, his potential could reach that of a frontline starter—the main pitcher of the rotation.

That’s no small compliment.

After a period of roster restructuring, the Cubs are trying to build a young foundation for long-term competition.

While some talents like Cade Horton have already started making their mark in MLB, Wiggins is seen as the next piece of the new generation of pitchers.

The Cubs’ coaching staff also highly values ​​his progress in bullpen and live batting practice.

Manager Craig Counsell once commented that Wiggins is pitching with a “very professional” style and has great potential if he continues to gain experience.

This has led many to believe that the Cubs could soon possess a pair of extremely dangerous young pitchers in the future.

Although Wiggins currently plays primarily in the minor league system and was sent back to minor league training camp this spring, his potential call-up to MLB this year remains entirely possible.

If he continues to perform well at Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs could open up a spot in their 40-person roster to promote him to the first team.

And when that opportunity arises, Wiggins is ready.

According to those who have followed him since his college days, this young pitcher has always had a simple philosophy:

Focus on the present. Don’t worry too much about the future.

For fans at Wrigley Field, the Cubs have always been associated with young pitchers who have unexpectedly burst onto the scene.

Now, Jaxon Wiggins could be the next name on that list.

A pitcher with a fastball exceeding 100 mph. A talent who has overcome major injuries. And a prospect being called by ESPN as “a name to watch this year.” If everything goes according to plan, Chicago could soon witness a new chapter — where Jaxon Wiggins steps onto the MLB stage and proves he lives up to all expectations.