The Chicago Cubs entered the season hoping to build on their recent return to the postseason with an even deeper October run. However, a mix of injuries and inconsistent production from key hitters has made it difficult for the team to stay firmly in playoff contention.
A major storyline heading into the year was the expected comeback of former All-Star left-hander Justin Steele. After undergoing elbow surgery that sidelined him for much of 2025, Steele was initially projected to rejoin the rotation in late spring and potentially provide a significant late-season boost.
But that optimism has faded in recent weeks, with Cubs officials now signaling that his return timeline is far from certain—and that missing most, if not all, of the remaining season is now a realistic possibility.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer recently offered a notably cautious update on Steele’s progress, acknowledging that the recovery process has hit multiple bumps along the way.
“We’d say hopeful—‘optimism’ might be strong,” Hoyer said. “He’s had some setbacks. The hope is he can avoid further setbacks and help us later in the season.”
That tone marks a clear shift from earlier expectations, when Steele was viewed as a potential midseason reinforcement for a team chasing a playoff spot. Now, even a late-year return feels uncertain, depending heavily on whether he can avoid additional setbacks.
Manager Craig Counsell echoed that sentiment, stressing the importance of protecting Steele’s recovery timeline.
“He’s got enough runway,” Counsell said. “We can’t afford setbacks.”
Together, those comments underline the delicate situation the Cubs are managing. While there is still a window for Steele to return in 2026, any further delays could close that door entirely before he is ready to contribute.
Once viewed as a cornerstone of the Cubs’ rotation and a potential staff ace during their recent resurgence, Steele’s availability remains uncertain. For now, Chicago is not ruling out a return—but the possibility that he misses the entire season is increasingly difficult to ignore.