CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 05: Justin Steele #35 of the Chicago Cubs during the game against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on May 05, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
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The Chicago Cubs entered this season looking to build on a return to the playoffs with an even deeper run. But amid numerous injuries and some poor performances at the plate from key players, the team is struggling to maintain postseason positioning.
Before the season started, a major reason for optimism was the anticipated return of former All-Star left-hander Justin Steele. After missing most of 2025 following elbow surgery, Steele was expected to rejoin the rotation sometime in late spring and potentially provide a significant boost down the stretch.
But recent comments from Cubs leadership suggest the timeline remains uncertain, and the possibility of Steele missing most — or even all — of the remainder of the season cannot be ruled out.
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Earlier this week, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged that Steele's recovery process has not gone as smoothly as hoped.
“I’d say (we’re) hopeful. ‘Optimism’ might be strong,” Hoyer said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times’ Vinnie Duber. “He’s had some setbacks. The hope is he can avoid (further) setbacks and help us later in the season.”
Those comments represent a noticeably cautious tone compared to earlier expectations for Steele's return. The left-hander had originally been viewed as a potential midseason reinforcement for a team with postseason aspirations. But now it appears he is just one setback away from missing the entire campaign.
Manager Craig Counsell echoed that concern while discussing the importance of avoiding additional complications.
“He’s got enough runway,” Counsell said, per Duber. “We can’t afford setbacks.”
Those statements combined to highlight a delicate balance facing the organization. While there is still technically time for Steele to contribute in 2026, any delay increases the likelihood that the season could end before he is fully ready to return.
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“Steele last pitched in a major-league game on April 7, 2025,” according to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney. “That month, he underwent season-ending surgery on his left elbow. By spring training, the Cubs were targeting late May or early June for his return to the 2026 rotation.”
Instead, Steele remains sidelined as the calendar moves deeper into the summer.
The former All-Star has been one of the most important pitchers in the Cubs' recent resurgence, establishing himself as a frontline starter before his injury. For now, the Cubs are refusing to shut the door completely on a 2026 return. However, the team seems to be aware that Steele could miss the whole season if he suffers another setback.
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