As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Mets are expected to be among the league’s busiest sellers, with the front office signaling its willingness to move several veteran players in exchange for young talent. However, one potential target appears to be firmly out of reach, as the Chicago Cubs are reportedly unlikely to part with prized pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, despite speculation linking him to New York.
The Mets have made it clear they are open to reshaping their roster, with only a handful of young cornerstone players including Juan Soto, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Carson Benge, and A.J. Ewing considered untouchable as the organization focuses on building for the future.
By moving established veterans before the deadline, New York hopes to significantly strengthen one of baseball’s improving farm systems, potentially adding several high-upside prospects capable of accelerating the club’s long-term rebuilding plans.
Family Connection Sparks Trade Speculation
One of the more intriguing names linked to the Mets is Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, whose younger brother, Carson Wiggins, was selected by New York in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft.
The family connection has naturally fueled speculation that the Mets could attempt to reunite the brothers within the same organization, particularly after Carson quickly agreed to a contract worth full slot value following the draft.
Carson entered professional baseball carrying considerable upside despite recovering from Tommy John surgery during his college career. Before his injury, the hard-throwing right-hander impressed scouts by posting a 3.21 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 14 innings as a freshman, making him one of the draft’s most intriguing high-ceiling arms.
Adding his older brother to the organization would undoubtedly create an exciting storyline, but accomplishing that appears highly unlikely.
Cubs Have Little Reason to Move Jaxon Wiggins
While the Mets possess veteran pitchers who could interest Chicago, including potential trade candidates from both the starting rotation and bullpen, the Cubs have every reason to hold onto one of the top pitching prospects in their organization.
Jaxon Wiggins has developed into the No. 1 pitching prospect in Chicago’s farm system and is widely viewed as a key part of the franchise’s long-term plans.
His value has become even greater because the Cubs are dealing with one of the most injury-ravaged pitching staffs in Major League Baseball.
Chicago currently has 12 pitchers on the injured list, creating an urgent need for organizational pitching depth. Rather than subtracting from that limited supply, the Cubs are expected to protect their top young arms while simultaneously searching for veteran reinforcements before the trade deadline.
According to MLB Pipeline, Wiggins is one of only two top-20 Cubs prospects who is both a pitcher and currently competing above the Double-A level, making him an especially valuable asset within the organization.
Mets Have Trade Pieces, But Cost Would Be Enormous
New York certainly has pitchers capable of attracting interest from contenders.
Veterans such as Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, and A.J. Minter could all appeal to clubs seeking immediate pitching help for the postseason.
However, convincing Chicago to include Wiggins in any deal would almost certainly require a blockbuster package involving multiple high-value players, something both organizations may be reluctant to pursue.
Adding another layer of complexity is Wiggins’ own injury history, which introduces some risk despite his impressive upside. While his talent is undeniable, clubs must also weigh the long-term durability concerns that have followed him throughout his professional development.
Wiggins Brothers More Likely to Meet as Opponents
Although the idea of uniting Jaxon and Carson Wiggins in the Mets organization has generated excitement among fans, the reality appears far less likely.
Chicago’s current pitching situation, combined with Jaxon Wiggins’ importance to the Cubs’ future, makes a trade increasingly improbable as the deadline draws closer.
Unless the two clubs unexpectedly agree to a blockbuster deal that dramatically reshapes both rosters, baseball fans are far more likely to see the Wiggins brothers competing against each other in future Major League games than wearing the same uniform.
For now, the Cubs appear committed to keeping one of their most valuable pitching prospects, while the Mets continue searching elsewhere for young talent capable of strengthening their farm system ahead of the trade deadline.
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