The Chicago Cubs enter 2026 with plenty of confidence. They are the favorites to win the National League Central, and all signs point towards them making the postseason again. However, it is not going to be easy. Injuries to Jordan Wicks and Tyler Austin will only make it harder.
Wicks and Austin were both slated to play an important role on the Cubs this year. However, Chicago could be without them for a lot of the season.
Per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Wicks is dealing with inflammation in his forearm. His UCL is intact, but he will be shut down for the time being.
Mooney also reported that Austin, a player who spent the last five years in Japan, has undergone knee surgery that will hold him out for months.
Jordan Wicks’ Importance to the Cubs
GettyJordan Wicks is dealing with forearm inflammation.
Wicks does not have a spot in the rotation at Wrigley Field. Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and trade acquisition Edward Cabrera will occupy those five spots. Additionally, Colin Rea can slot in as a platoon starter. Justin Steele will also be making his way back to the big league mound this season.
Because of this, Wicks is not a starting pitcher for the Cubs. If he were to make the team out of spring training, it would be as a long reliever.
Last season, Wicks threw 14.1 innings for the Cubs, but struggled in a big way. Still, he has a lot of potential. The former first-round pick had a 3.77 ERA in Triple-A last season; he just can not seem to carry that success over to the big leagues.
Still, he is an important asset. Injuries are a part of the game, and the Cubs’ pitching staff is no stranger to them. Teams need pitchers that can fill in quickly throughout the season, and Wicks is one of those guys. He still has two options left, so Wicks is one of the more flexible starters Chicago has in the minors.
For now, the left-hander has to get healthy before he can think about making the team out of camp.
Tyler Austin’s Importance to the Cubs
GettyTyler Austin will miss multiple months after undergoing knee surgery.
Austin was set to make the team out of spring training. The Cubs signed him to be the backup to Michael Busch at first base. But he can also play a little bit of outfield.
Craig Counsell is a manager who loves to play the matchups. Last year, Counsell would substitute Justin Turner for Busch when a left-hander would take the mound. Now, Busch does not need to be substituted in those situations, but it is always good to have options. Austin gave them that option.
With Austin out until the summer months, the Cubs no longer have the option to use him against lefties. Chicago will have to find another right-handed bat during spring training that can step up and play first base when Busch needs a day off or when the matchup calls for it.
Austin was not going to play a huge role for the Cubs, but losing him hurts the team over a full season.
Cubs Receive Injury Updates Regarding Two Important Players