Jordan Wicks – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jordan Wicks has quickly built a reputation as a promising young pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Born September 1, 1999, in Conway, Arkansas, the left-hander went in the first round (21st overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft after a solid college run at Kansas State University.

Wicks made his major league debut on August 26, 2023. Many baseball analysts see the start of a strong career here.

Right now, Jordan Wicks plays on a one-year, $760,000 contract with the Chicago Cubs, all guaranteed. This entry-level MLB deal fits his rookie status, but his performance hints that he could land a much bigger deal down the road.

Even with this modest salary, Wicks already claims a net worth estimated at $3,132,300.

At just 25, Wicks displays the poise and skill that made the Cubs spend a first-round pick on him. His development as a major league pitcher keeps moving forward, with his command and pitch mix getting sharper each start.

The Conway native fits the Cubs’ plan to build a competitive rotation around young, controllable arms.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Jordan Wicks’ journey to the majors started with deep roots in Mississippi and grew through standout high school and college years that highlighted his pitching ability from an early age.

Family Background and Mississippi Roots

Jordan Maslin Wicks was born September 1, 1999, in Mississippi. His early connection to baseball took shape there.

Growing up in a state known for its baseball tradition, Wicks found his passion for the game in a region that has produced plenty of MLB talent.

His family played a key role in supporting his baseball dreams. There isn’t a ton of public info about his parents, but they’ve been behind him from the start.

Wicks stands 6’3″, and his physical presence on the mound was obvious even as a kid. That gave him a leg up.

Mississippi’s baseball culture shaped his early years. Local leagues and youth programs laid the groundwork for his pitching mechanics.

High School Achievements

At his Mississippi high school, Wicks quickly became a standout left-handed pitcher. His high school career featured eye-catching stats and honors that got college scouts’ attention.

Some of his big achievements during this time:

• Multiple no-hitters in his junior and senior seasons
• Selection to regional all-star teams
• Developing his signature changeup
• Serving as team captain

Wicks balanced solid academics with his athletic pursuits, showing the discipline that would help him later on. His coach often mentioned Wicks’ work ethic and ability to stay calm under pressure.

College Experience at Kansas State

Wicks’ college years at Kansas State University really launched his path to pro baseball. Pitching for the Wildcats, he quickly became their ace.

His stats improved each season. At Kansas State, Wicks honed his pitching arsenal, especially his changeup, which turned into his go-to pitch.

He bumped his velocity from the high-80s to the low-90s, adding some pop to his already impressive control.

During his final season, Wicks’ performance made him a top prospect. Scouts loved his advanced pitch sequencing and his ability to hit both sides of the plate.

These college achievements set him up for the MLB draft and his shot with the Chicago Cubs.

Professional Journey

Jordan Wicks has climbed the baseball ladder fast since the Cubs picked him in 2021. His path to the majors shows his growth as a pitcher with sharp command and a nasty changeup.

Draft and Signing with the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs grabbed Jordan Wicks with the 21st overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Kansas State. That made him the highest-drafted player in Kansas State history.

After the draft, he signed for a $3.1 million bonus with Chicago.

Wicks entered pro ball with high expectations. His polished delivery and mature approach made him stand out in his draft class.

The Cubs’ front office saw him as a candidate to move quickly through the minors. His steady college track record gave them confidence.

The Cubs’ player development team started working with Wicks right away to sharpen his pitch mix and keep his command sharp.

Minor League Progression

Wicks kicked off his pro career with the South Bend Cubs in High-A Central. The Cubs took a steady, careful approach to his development.

In the minors, Wicks kept working on his arsenal, especially his changeup. That pitch became his main weapon.

He impressed coaches at every stop with his ability to throw strikes and limit walks.

Wicks showed consistency as he moved up the Cubs’ farm system. At each level, he improved his command and gained confidence against tougher hitters.

By 2023, Wicks had shown he was ready for the next step. His minor league numbers convinced the Cubs he could help at the big-league level.

MLB Debut and Performance

Wicks made his MLB debut on August 26, 2023, at age 23. In his first outing, he showed the same poise and command he’d built in the minors.

The Cubs managed his workload carefully during his rookie year.

In his first partial season, Wicks flashed real promise. He put up respectable numbers while adjusting to major league hitters.

By 2024, he had carved out a spot in the Cubs’ rotation alongside veterans like Kyle Hendricks and Javier Assad.

For 2025, Wicks is earning $760,000 under his rookie deal. His performance has sparked talk of a contract extension, especially with prospects like Cade Horton moving up.

Wicks has racked up 68 career strikeouts through early 2025, showing steady gains in ERA and effectiveness. The Cubs see him as a key piece of their rotation as they aim for playoff contention.

Current Contract and Salary Details

Jordan Wicks plays under a rookie contract with the Chicago Cubs, giving the team value and giving him financial stability as he settles into the majors. His contract reflects the Cubs’ investment in their pitching future while keeping payroll flexible.

Contract Structure and Terms

Wicks is on a 1-year, $760,000 contract with the Cubs. All $760,000 is guaranteed, which is pretty standard for a rookie.

The Cubs hold team control over Wicks through the usual MLB service time rules. That gives them several years before he hits arbitration.

As a promising lefty, Wicks’ deal is a bargain for the club. The team can spend elsewhere while developing this young talent.

This contract follows the usual MLB approach for pre-arbitration players, with salaries staying low compared to established veterans.

The terms fit the Cubs’ 2025 payroll plan as they juggle veteran deals with affordable young players.

Salary Breakdown and Incentives

Wicks’ $760,000 salary is close to the MLB minimum, though his overall compensation might include other elements. His current big-league contract doesn’t have a signing bonus, but his net worth of about $3,132,300 probably factors in his draft signing bonus.

Pre-arbitration contracts for Cubs pitchers rarely have many incentives. Standard ones might include:

• All-Star selections
• Innings pitched goals
• Awards like Rookie of the Year or Cy Young consideration

This structure keeps the Cubs flexible with their budget, which matters as they plan for 2025 and beyond.

Potential Contract Extensions

The Cubs could look to extend Wicks before he hits arbitration if he keeps performing. More teams now lock up young pitchers early to secure cost certainty and skip year-to-year arbitration jumps.

For the Cubs’ 2025 payroll, locking in arms like Wicks could help with stability. Comparable pitchers with similar experience have signed extensions in the 4-5 year, $20-30 million range.

Several things will factor into any extension:

• Wicks’ health and durability
• His performance and steadiness
• The Cubs’ overall budget
• How much team control remains before free agency

With his left-handed delivery and prospect track record, Wicks is a valuable asset the Cubs might want to secure beyond his initial years.

Jordan Wicks’ Net Worth Analysis

Jordan Wicks has built a modest financial base early in his MLB career with the Cubs. His current net worth reflects his rookie contract, possible endorsements, and how he manages his money.

Estimated Career Earnings

Jordan Wicks has a net worth of about $3,132,300. Most of that comes from his baseball earnings.

He signed a one-year contract with the Cubs worth $760,000, which is his current annual salary.

As a newer MLB player born in 1999, Wicks is still early in his earning window. His rookie contract follows the standard MLB minimum salary setup.

If he keeps performing and reaches arbitration or free agency, his earnings could jump. Many MLB pitchers see their salaries soar after those first contracts.

Endorsements and Off-Field Income

Specific endorsement numbers aren’t out there, but Wicks has chances to add to his baseball income through partnerships. Pitching for the Cubs in Chicago gives him more visibility than some markets.

Common endorsement deals for rising MLB players include:

• Equipment deals (gloves, cleats)
• Local business partnerships
• Autograph signings
• Running youth camps

These extra income streams are usually modest for new players but can grow as Wicks becomes more of a household name. His marketing potential should rise with each good season.

Investments and Lifestyle

There aren’t public details about Wicks’ investments, but most MLB players work with financial advisors to manage their money. Young players like Wicks often focus on:

• Building retirement savings
• Real estate
• Stock portfolios
• Emergency funds

Wicks probably keeps a pretty modest lifestyle for now, given his current income. There’s no news about him buying luxury items like an electric car, but that sort of thing can change with bigger contracts.

Advisors usually tell young players to live below their means early on. It’s just smart, especially in a career that can be unpredictable.

Legacy, Impact, and Future Outlook

Jordan Wicks has already become a valuable asset for the Chicago Cubs. His growth as a starting pitcher and his presence on and off the field are shaping his legacy in the game.

Notable Teammates and Influences

While playing for the Chicago Cubs, Wicks got the chance to learn from established veterans. Cody Bellinger stepped up as both a mentor and a teammate, helping Wicks get used to the pressures and pace of the big leagues.

Bellinger’s work ethic and his approach to the game really gave Wicks a practical example to follow.

Hector Neris, a veteran relief pitcher, also helped shape Wicks’ growth. He shared his thoughts on pitch sequencing and how to mentally prepare for each outing.

Wicks often thanks his college coaches at Texas Tech for laying the groundwork for his pitching career. They pushed him to develop his changeup, which ended up being a huge asset in the majors.

In a 2024 interview, Wicks said, “The veterans showed me how to prepare between starts and maintain focus during the grind of a 162-game season.”

Charitable Activities and Community Engagement

Wicks really cares about giving back, and he’s shown that through different community projects. He’s worked with youth baseball programs in Chicago, introducing the sport to kids who might not otherwise get the chance.

Every offseason, Wicks runs a baseball camp in his hometown. He gives young players hands-on instruction and tries to mentor them a bit along the way.

The camp isn’t just about baseball skills—it’s also about building character, which honestly feels just as important.

He’s teamed up with local hospitals to support programs focused on childhood illness. Visiting kids in children’s wards has become something he looks forward to every year.

With help from the Cubs organization, Wicks joins in on community events, signing autographs and just hanging out with fans. These moments have really helped him build a reputation as someone who’s genuinely approachable and cares about people.

Long-Term Impact on the Cubs and MLB

The Cubs have Wicks under control through 2029, and that alone makes him a huge part of their future rotation plans. Honestly, his development trajectory looks promising—some people even think he could turn into a front-line starter in his prime.

Baseball analysts see a real shot for Wicks to rack up a few All-Star appearances if he keeps improving. He’s a lefty with a solid pitch mix, which gives the Cubs a nice edge in matchups, especially against teams like the Mets in the National League.

The Cubs pay Wicks a salary of just $760,000, and for a starting pitcher with his upside, that’s a steal. Having him on such a team-friendly deal gives the front office some room to build a stronger roster around him.

If he keeps this up, Wicks might even help lead the Cubs back to the playoffs as soon as 2026. It’s hard to overstate just how much he means to their competitive window right now.