Cubs’ Roster Reshuffle: Two Strategic Moves Before 2025 Season Signal a Bold Front Office Vision and Potential Playoff Power Surge in Chicago
The Chicago Cubs have optioned a pair of pitchers, Eli Morgan and Jordan Wicks, to triple-A Iowa. Both players were on the 26-man Tokyo series roster.
The report comes from Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network.
The Wicks news should come as no surprise to Cubs fans. The 25-year-old has made 17 starts over the last two summers with middling results. His career 5.02 ERA, 1.475 WHIP, and 2.13 strikeout-to-walk ratio have not inspired faith in the front office.
However, all hope is not lost for Wicks’ MLB days, as the former first-round draft pick still has plenty of upside and can hone his six-pitch arsenal in the minors. Wicks is also one of the few left-handed relievers for Chicago. Currently, the team is projected to go into Opening Day with Caleb Thielbar as its only southpaw option out of the bullpen.
Thielbar has been a primarily reliable relief pitcher during his eight MLB seasons, but he had a down year in 2024. His 5.32 ERA and 1.563 WHIP were enough to part ways with the Milwaukee Brewers, and should he struggle again, Wicks could be a replacement option.
As for Morgan, that move will raise a few eyebrows.
The 28-year-old was fantastic for the Cleveland Guardians in 2024. He went 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP over 42 innings. He came onto the Cubs well-positioned to crack the Opening Day bullpen, especially considering the concerns beyond top guys Ryan Pressly and Porter Hodge.
Hopefully, for Chicago fans, this is only a temporary demotion for Morgan, who should show off his excellent changeup/slider combination this summer at Wrigley Field.
