Chicago Cubs’ starting pitcher Justin Steele will miss the remainder of the 2025 MLB season after undergoing left elbow surgery. The 29-year-old left-hander, who had been a key contributor to the Cubs’ rotation, is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, though the exact nature of the surgery—whether it was Tommy John surgery or a partial repair—has not been publicly confirmed.
Steele had been performing well prior to the injury, boasting a 3-1 record and a 4.76 ERA in four starts during the 2025 season. His final appearance on April 7 was particularly impressive, as he threw seven shutout innings against the Texas Rangers. However, following that game, Steele began experiencing discomfort, leading to the decision to undergo surgery.
In a show of resilience, Steele shared a post-surgery photo from his hospital bed on social media, thanking fans for their support and expressing optimism about his recovery. His positive outlook has been well-received by teammates and fans alike, who are hopeful for his return in the future.
The Cubs now face the challenge of replacing Steele in their rotation. Internal options include pitchers like Colin Rea and Jordan Wicks, who are expected to step up in Steele’s absence. Additionally, the team may explore trade opportunities to acquire a veteran starter to bolster their pitching staff.
Steele’s injury is a significant blow to the Cubs, who had high hopes for the 2025 season. The team will need to adjust their strategies and rely on their depth to remain competitive in the National League Central. The front office’s decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the team’s trajectory for the rest of the season.
As the Cubs navigate this setback, Steele’s recovery will be closely monitored. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see the left-hander return to the mound, and his journey back to full health will be a focal point for the organization in the months to come.