The Chicago Cubs are currently performing well in the 2025 season, positioning themselves as leaders in the National League Central after two years of mediocrity. However, the team requires additional pitching strength to be competitive for the World Series, especially following the loss of Justin Steele to a season-ending injury. The Cubs may consider trading promising 25-year-old pitcher Jordan Wicks, who, despite being part of the starting rotation, has become a secondary option for the team. Wicks, a first-round draft pick in 2021, has shown potential in the major leagues, though his statistics have not fully reflected his capabilities. He is seen as a valuable trade asset to acquire a top-tier pitcher, even if he is not the centerpiece of such a deal.

The Chicago Cubs are experiencing a strong start to the 2025 season, emerging as the frontrunners in the National League Central and aiming to improve their chances in the World Series by strengthening their roster.

The team's pitching rotation has become a focal point of concern, exacerbated by the season-ending injury to key pitcher Justin Steele, prompting the need to acquire an ace pitcher to maintain their competitive edge.

Jordan Wicks, a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, has been identified as a significant trade asset due to his experience and potential, despite becoming less prioritized in the Cubs' pitching staff.

Wicks was the Cubs' first-round draft pick in 2021 and, over his major league career, has displayed the ability to perform at a high level, even if his current statistics of a 5.23 ERA and a 6-6 record do not fully capture his talent.

In 20 major league outings, Wicks has accumulated 68 strikeouts over 82 2/3 innings, showcasing his capability as a starting pitcher, which makes him an attractive option for teams seeking to bolster their pitching roster.

Given his potential and past success, Wicks is expected to be a sought-after player in trade discussions, particularly for teams looking to strengthen their pitching lineup with a promising mid-level starter.

While Wicks may not headline a trade for a top-tier pitcher like Sandy Alcantara, his inclusion as a supplementary piece in a deal could be instrumental in the Cubs' strategy to acquire the necessary pitching talent for their World Series ambitions.

It's a good time for the Chicago Cubs to start thinking about who they can use as trade chips this season.

Clearly, the Cubs are passing their tests early in the 2025 season. After two years of mediocrity, Chicago looks like the front-runner in the National League Central. But to compete for a World Series, they'll need more firepower.

The rotation already looked like a weak point before Justin Steele went on the season-ending injured list two weeks ago. Now, the Cubs' need for a starting pitcher looks more desperate, and they should be willing to move real pieces to get the extra ace they need.

Who might the Cubs trade away? One writer has identified an intriguing left-handed pitcher with rotation experience that might be on the move.

On Saturday, Jordan Campbell of FanSided identified 25-year-old Jordan Wicks as a top potential trade chip for the Cubs to cash in if other teams are interested in him in deals for bigger stars on the mound.

"It seems rather obvious that Jordan Wicks would be included in a potential deal," Campbell wrote. "Despite opening the 2024 season in the Cubs' starting rotation, Wicks has seemingly become an afterthought on the Cubs' pitching staff.

Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp

"Given the past success Wicks has flashed at the major league level, he likely will be one of the first pitchers that selling teams ask about when talking with the Cubs. Given how the Cubs have utilized him in 2025, they likely wouldn't be opposed to keeping him off limits."

Wicks was the Cubs' first-round pick in the 2021 draft, and he's shown that he possesses big-league stuff even if the numbers aren't fully supportive of him as a full-time rotation piece. In 20 major league outings, including 17 starts, he's 6-6 with a 5.23 ERA, striking out 68 batters in 82 2/3 innings.

Obviously, Wicks wouldn't be the headliner in a deal for, say, Sandy Alcantara. But he could be a number-four starter someday if everything clicks, and that's a great piece to have in a deal as a mid-level throw-in.

More MLB: Projected $62 million closer could be trade fit for Yankees, MLB writer claims