Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer addressed left-hander Justin Steele's role for the rest of the 2026 season on Tuesday, and his answer points the front office towards the trade market.
Speaking on 670 The Score's "Mully and Haugh" show, Hoyer said he does not expect Steele to start a game this year, with the focus turning towards a healthy 2027. He did not rule out a bullpen role late in the summer if his recovery allows for one.
Steele, a 2023 All-Star and the Cubs' opening day starter in 2024, has not pitched a game since April 2025, when he underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.
The 30-year-old starter had made four starts last season before the operation. A flexor strain in late April stalled his rehab and pushed back his 2026 timeline past the All-Star break.
The decision falls on a pitching staff that has been limited by injuries. Cade Horton is out for the year after Tommy John surgery, while Matthew Boyd and Edward Cabrera have both missed time. That has led Chicago to lean on Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad to step up even more.
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Hoyer, however, has made it clear that he wants to bring in reinforcements to help fill out the rotation. He said the club will pursue starting and relief arms, with small trades and waiver claims likely in the short term. Bigger deals would have to wait closer to the trade deadline in August.
