Cubs GM’s comments don’t bode well for potential trade deadline move

The Chicago Cubs‘ farm system has been loaded with prospects for quite some time now, and little by little, they have been moving some of their top youngsters for established talent.

They traded Cam Smith for Kyle Tucker two offseasons ago. This past winter, they jettisoned Owen Caissie for Edward Cabrera. And now, with the Cubs looking like bona fide World Series contenders in May, it stands to reason they could part with more elite prospects in order to land more star players.

One prospect that has long been on the radar is pitcher Jaxon Wiggins, who Chicago managed to keep out of the Cabrera deal (the Miami Marlins were more interested in adding offense, anyway), but when it comes to swinging a trade for someone like New York Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta (or any other top arms that might be available), Wiggins may not be so safe.

That’s assuming, of course, other teams would actually desire Wiggins at this stage.

Wiggins is currently sidelined due to right elbow inflammation, which could scare some clubs away from acquiring him as a major piece of a blockbuster deal before the trade deadline. That’s especially based on general manager Carter Hawkins’ recent comments.

Chicago Cubs might have trouble trading Jaxon Wiggins

Of course, there is no evidence that the Cubs even want to trade Wiggins, but let’s be honest: teams are going to be asking about the 24-year-old … if he gets healthy.

The problem is that Wiggins’ status is very much in the air, and Hawkins didn’t exactly give the former second-round pick a huge vote of confidence when discussing his impending return.

“He’s definitely a guy that’s on the radar but not somebody that we’re writing in ink,” Hawkins said in 104.3 The Score.

Hawkins indicated that Chicago’s plan is to eventually work Wiggins into the starting rotation, but elbow issues can absolutely be tricky, so the Cubs will certainly be treating the righty with kid gloves as he continues his rehab.

Chicago has plenty of other prospects in it system that would be of interest to other teams, but Wiggins is the only pitcher the Cubs have in their top 10. The next closest is right-hander Kaleb Wing, who MLB.com ranks as Chicago’s 12th-best prospect.

There is no question that Wiggins’ health could complicate the Cubs’ trade deadline plans, particularly considering that adding another starter is the team’s biggest need right now.

The post Cubs GM’s comments don’t bode well for potential trade deadline move appeared first on ChiCitySports.