Cubs’ Postseason Aspirations Rest on Jaxon Wiggins’ Potential Call-Up
The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a pivotal point in their season, boasting a respectable 81-62 record. While they sit 7.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central, their playoff hopes remain alive. The Cubs have performed well enough to be in contention, yet they must acknowledge the Brewers’ remarkable run, which has seen them rise to historic heights over the past couple of months.
Challenges Looming Ahead
Despite the Cubs’ solid record, challenges persist, particularly in their starting rotation. As they eye the postseason, the team must confront the reality of their pitching struggles. The urgency to enhance their roster has led to speculation about potential call-ups. With the season winding down, options for improvement are limited, but one name has emerged as a beacon of hope: Jaxon Wiggins.
Recently promoted to Triple-A, Wiggins has garnered attention as a potential game-changer. His performance has sparked conversations about a possible debut in the big leagues before the month ends. Patrick Mooney, an astute observer of the Cubs’ dynamics, highlighted Wiggins’ significance for the team’s postseason strategy. He noted, “For a manager who is constantly thinking about ‘out-getters’ and ‘the innings puzzle,’ Wiggins looms as an intriguing option, either for depth or maybe even October impact.”
The Road Ahead for Wiggins
However, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has tempered expectations. He acknowledged that while Wiggins is a promising prospect, the team is still weighing their options before making a decisive move. “There’s a ways to go before we get there,” Counsell stated regarding the possibility of promoting Wiggins. “But we thought about the challenge of Triple-A for the last three weeks of the season. And then who knows what could happen?”
Wiggins has certainly made a case for himself. In 17 starts across High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A this season, he has posted an impressive 1.89 ERA, while striking out 87 batters over 71.1 innings. His ability to perform under pressure could prove invaluable for a Cubs team eager to solidify its postseason roster.
As the Cubs navigate the final stretch of the season, the potential impact of Wiggins looms large. Whether he becomes a key contributor in October remains to be seen, but his journey from prospect to potential postseason weapon is one that Cubs fans are watching with anticipation.
