CHICAGO -- The Cubs are weighing whether Justin Steele will be part of the pitching mix during the final regular-season series in Boston. Given the long comeback for the left-hander, just being part of that conversation is a great sign.
“He’s in the discussion, which I think is a win for him, that he’s come that far,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said on Tuesday. “We just have to, candidly, see where we are, see what’s happened and then we’ll make that decision.”
Steele is currently with the Cubs in Chicago following the completion of the Minor League season and his rehab stint with Triple-A Iowa. In his most recent appearance, the lefty spun two no-hit innings with five strikeouts and one walk against Omaha on Friday. It was a performance that gave the Cubs something to think about.
The 31-year-old Steele has been with the Cubs since being picked in the fifth round of the 2014 Draft, developing into an All-Star and Cy Young contender in ‘23. He was Chicago’s Opening Day starter in ‘24 and then injuries robbed him of the next two campaigns. Steele underwent left elbow surgery in April of ‘25, and a setback (flexor strain) this year delayed his comeback timeline.
Steele made it back into Minor League rehab games by September and made it through four appearances with Iowa. The Cubs made it clear that Steele would likely return as a reliever, given the point on the calendar, if a comeback was in the cards this season. He posted a 4.70 ERA with 11 strikeouts and one walk in 7 2/3 rehab innings.
Steele and righty Trent Thornton (15-day IL with a left ankle sprain) are currently in Chicago with the team, along with catching prospect Owen Ayers, who is around to gain experience more than anything. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted that other players working out and staying ready in Arizona include pitchers Jordan Wicks, Tyler Ferguson, Gavin Hollowell and Braxton Garrett, along with catcher Austin Wynns, outfielders Kevin Alcántara and Justin Dean and utility man James Triantos.
The Cubs are currently trying to lock in their position as one of the National League’s Wild Card teams (seeding to be determined) and there are also weather concerns for the upcoming weekend series against the Red Sox. So, while Steele could pitch for the Cubs before the season ends, Chicago has a number of factors to consider.
Counsell noted that Steele is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday.
“He’s an option, I guess, is the best way to say it,” Counsell said. “I’m really encouraged ... he pitched really well his last outing. I think, most important, that’s a good feeling for him. Just to pitch and have success and feel like, ‘I threw the ball well,’ as you kind of work through this process and work to get back -- that’s a great sign.
“There’s other considerations after Justin, I guess, from a team perspective that we’ve got to figure out and make sure that we make the right decisions.”