The Chicago Cubs had the opportunity to sign free agent starting pitcher Lucas Giolito back in April. The team was already dealing with a few major injuries, and it hasn’t gotten better since. Justin Steele had a setback in his return from elbow surgery, while Matthew Boyd needed knee surgery after a freak accident. Now, the Cubs have placed Edward Cabrera on the injured list, and you have to wonder if the front office will regret its decision not to be more aggressive pursuing Giolito.
The right-handed pitcher ultimately signed with the San Diego Padres, agreeing to a one-year deal that guarantees him $3 million. Giolito can earn up to $8 million this year, depending on how many starts he makes and other incentives. His 2026 salary is guaranteed at $1.5 million for this season, and then another $1.5 million as part of an opt-out for 2027.
According to Jon Heyman, the Cubs were involved in the bidding for Giolito, but they did not want to spend as much as the Padres did.
Last week, Cabrera exited the Cubs’ series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth inning because of a blister issue on his right middle finger. It’s not new, as Cabrera actually began the 2025 season with the Miami Marlins on the injured list because of a blister injury. Now, the Cubs have to reach into their pitching depth at Triple-A and hope that Jordan Wicks can provide quality innings while Cabrera is out.
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Wicks will start Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, against whom he made his MLB debut on Aug 26, 2023.
The left-handed pitcher had a solid rookie showing, but it’s been a bit rocky since. Wicks missed most of the 2024 season with a forearm issue and then an oblique injury, and in 2025, the Cubs didn’t go to him despite the need for rotation help in the summer.
Now, the Cubs have to lean on Wicks with all their injuries, and the lefty has certainly earned this chance. He began the year on the injured list, and while Wicks had a rough go early in his rehab assignment, he’s been lights out in his recent starts with the Iowa Cubs. In his last three starts, Wicks has recorded a 0.60 ERA in 15 innings prior to his call-up on Sunday.
As for Giolito, the right-hander has made two starts with the Padres. The righty threw five shutout innings on Saturday against the Athletics, although it wasn’t the smoothest outing, as he walked five batters and struck out a pair. In two starts, Giolito has given up three earned runs on five hits, while walking eight and striking out five.
We’ll see what Wicks can do in his return to the majors, but that’s another comparison Cubs fans will be looking at in the next few weeks.
