Jake

Wong

Wong made just one start for Double-A Tennessee following last month’s trade from the Reds. The 27-year-old righty made one relief appearance last year for the Reds.

Wong made one relief appearance last year for the Reds and will head to the Cubs as extra organizational pitching depth.

Wong passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment earlier this week and will remain with Cincinnati as extra organizational pitching depth.

The Reds didn’t have much choice but to make another pitching move after a rain delay caused starter Brandon Williamson to exit in the third inning Monday. Wong pitched three innings in that game, allowing three runs in his major league debut. It’s likely that he’ll clear waivers.

Wong earns his first call to the majors after posting a disastrous 7.60 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 33/19 K/BB ratio across 34 1/3 innings (17 appearances, one start) between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville.

The 26-year-old hurler was a third round selection by the Giants from the 2018 draft. After missing the entire 2021 season due to injuries, Wong spent the 2022 season at High-A Eugene, registering a 4.52 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 108/44 K/BB ratio over 97 2/3 innings in 25 appearances (17 starts). He’ll add rotation depth in the upper minors for the Reds.

Wong walked two, and he struck out six. A third-round pick out of Grand Canyon university, Wong is already one of the top pitching prospects in the San Francisco system. He can touch 98 mph with his fastball with loads of sink, and his curveball gives him two swing-and-miss pitches. The change is still a work-in-progress, but occasionally, it will flash as an above-average offering. Wong also needs to improve his command and show he can handle a starter’s workload, but if he can, he has a chance to pitch in a middle of a rotation. If not, he could be tremendous in relief.