Jordan Maslin Wicks Bio
Jordan Maslin Wicks is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on September 1, 1999, Wicks was selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 2021 MLB draft with the 21st overall pick. He made his major league debut in August 2023 and has since established himself as a promising left-handed pitcher in the Cubs organization. Wicks wears number 36 for Chicago and has showcased his talent through both starting and relief roles during his young professional career.
Early Life and Background
Wicks grew up in Conway, Arkansas, where he attended Conway High School. During his senior year in 2018, he posted an impressive 11-1 record with a 0.86 earned run average. By the end of his high school career, he had set the school record with a 1.39 career ERA, demonstrating his dominance on the mound. Beyond baseball, Wicks also excelled in football at Conway High School, showing athletic versatility that would serve him well in his professional career.
Despite his standout high school performance, Wicks went undrafted in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. Rather than pursuing other opportunities, he chose to continue his baseball development at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Baseball
Wicks enrolled at Kansas State University to play college baseball for the Wildcats. In his freshman season of 2019, he made an immediate impact by starting 15 games. He compiled a 6-3 record with a 3.61 ERA and was named the Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year. Wicks set Kansas State freshman records with 86 strikeouts and 84 and two-thirds innings pitched, establishing himself as one of the top young pitchers in the conference.
His sophomore season in 2020 was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he had already shown remarkable promise by allowing just one earned run over 26 innings pitched for an exceptional 0.35 ERA. During that summer, Wicks played for the Rockford Rivets of the Northwoods League, where he recorded a 0.52 ERA with 52 strikeouts over 34 and two-thirds innings. He would later become the first Rivet alumnus to reach the major leagues.
Prior to the 2021 season, Wicks was unanimously named the Big 12 Conference Preseason Pitcher of the Year, recognizing his standing as one of college baseball’s top arms. That year, he went 6-3 with a 3.70 ERA over 14 starts, striking out 118 batters across 92 and one-third innings. His performance earned him All-Big 12 First Team honors and cemented his status as a top MLB prospect.
Jordan Maslin Wicks Career
Professional Debut and Minor League Development (2021–2023)
Wicks was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the 21st overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft, signing for a $3.1 million signing bonus. He became both the highest-drafted and the first-ever first-round selection from Kansas State’s baseball program. Wicks began his professional career with the South Bend Cubs of the High-A Central League, making his debut by pitching seven innings while allowing four earned runs and three walks while striking out five.
He returned to South Bend to open the 2022 season before earning a promotion to the Tennessee Smokies of the Double-A Southern League in mid-July. Across 24 starts between the two teams, Wicks went 4-6 with a 3.80 ERA and 121 strikeouts over 94 and two-thirds innings. He continued his development with the Smokies to begin the 2023 season before receiving a promotion to the Iowa Cubs of the Triple-A International League in late June. Between the two Triple-A affiliates, he went an unbeaten 7-0 with a 3.55 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 91 and one-third innings.
Chicago Cubs Breakthrough (2023)
On August 26, 2023, Wicks was promoted to the major leagues by the Cubs. He made his MLB debut that same day at PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning his first career start. Wicks allowed just one run on two hits and one walk while recording nine strikeouts in a 10-6 Cubs victory, picking up his first major league win. Across seven starts during his rookie campaign, he compiled a 4-1 record with a 4.41 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 34 and two-thirds innings pitched.
Cubs Rotation Role (2024–Present)
Wicks earned a spot on his first Opening Day roster in 2024, joining Chicago’s starting rotation. His season was interrupted when he was placed on the injured list with a Grade 2 oblique strain on June 15. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 19 before being activated on September 1. Despite the injury, he made 10 starts for the Cubs, compiling a 2-4 record with a 5.48 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 46 innings pitched.
To open the 2025 season, Wicks was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. He was recalled by the Cubs for the first time during the season on April 18 and experienced multiple transactions between the major league club and Triple-A throughout the year. With Chicago, he made eight relief appearances, going 0-1 with a 6.28 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 14 and one-third innings. At Triple-A Iowa, he made 16 starts and went 3-4 with a 3.55 ERA. Wicks opened the 2026 season on the injured list with nerve irritation.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Wicks is a left-handed pitcher known for his competitive demeanor on the mound. His pitch selection and ability to locate effectively have been cited as strengths throughout his development. He has demonstrated the capacity to work both as a starter and reliever, showing adaptability within the Cubs organization. His strikeout ability has been a consistent feature throughout his minor league career, with his nine-strikeout debut highlighting his potential to miss bats at the major league level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wicks’ MLB debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates stands as a significant milestone in his career, as he earned his first victory while striking out nine batters. His journey from undrafted prospect to first-round pick and eventual big league contributor represents a notable trajectory in the Cubs system. His status as the first Rockford Rivet alumnus to reach the majors adds to his unique place in baseball history.
Jordan Maslin Wicks Career Statistics
Through June 28, 2026, Wicks has appeared in 25 major league games spanning both starting and relief roles. His professional career includes successful minor league seasons at the High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A levels before establishing himself in Chicago.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Wicks made his major league debut in August 2023 and immediately made an impact by winning four of his first seven starts. His career win-loss record stands at 6-8 with an ERA of 5.80 and 85 strikeouts across his time with the Cubs. His rookie performance of 4-1 with a 4.41 ERA demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
Minor League Achievements
Throughout his minor league career, Wicks compiled an impressive record including a standout 2023 season at Triple-A where he went 7-0 between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. His 2022 campaign featured 24 combined starts with 121 strikeouts across both levels. His collegiate career included Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors and multiple All-Conference recognitions at Kansas State University.
| Level | Games | Wins | Losses | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (2023–2026) | 25 | 6 | 8 | 5.80 | 85 |
Jordan Maslin Wicks Family
Personal Life
Wicks is a Christian who has spoken openly about his faith. He has stated that God serves as the foundation of his life, providing constant support and love regardless of his performance on the field. His personal beliefs have been a consistent part of his identity throughout his professional career. Public details about his family, marital status, or children are not currently available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Wicks serve in a primarily bullpen role for the Chicago Cubs while continuing to develop at the Triple-A level. His eight major league appearances came in relief, resulting in a 0-1 record with a 6.28 ERA. The Cubs utilized a shuttle approach with Wicks, moving him between Iowa and Chicago multiple times throughout the season to manage his workload and provide organizational depth.
At Triple-A Iowa, Wicks showed strong form with a 3-4 record and 3.55 ERA across 16 starts. His 16 appearances at the Triple-A level demonstrated continued development as a pitcher capable of handling advanced hitters. The experience gained from these appearances positioned him for a potential larger role with the Cubs in future seasons.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Wicks balanced his major league opportunities with continued development in the minors. His ability to transition between starting and relieving roles provided valuable flexibility for the Cubs organization. As he continues his professional career, Wicks remains a prospect of interest for Chicago’s pitching staff.