'Unrealistic' to expect Steele starting for Cubs in 2026, Hoyer says

The Cubs, dealing with a multitude of starting pitching injuries in 2026, now appear unlikely to get one of their key pieces back to the rotation before 2027.

Left-hander Justin Steele, who is recovering from left elbow surgery, likely won’t be stretched out and ready to start games by the end of the season, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said on The Score on Tuesday. Furthermore, Steele’s return to the big league club in 2026 also remains “unclear.”

“What we really want is positive news that he’s healthy and that he can work his way back,” Hoyer said. “That’s kind of where we are. Whether or not he can help us at the end of the season I think is unclear. I think it’s probably unrealistic to think he’s gonna be fully stretched out at any point, so if he does help us, I think it’s gonna be in shorter bursts.”

Steele was slated to throw on Monday for the first time since suffering a flexor strain that set back his recovery timeline in April. The 30-year-old is with the Cubs while going through the early stages of his throwing program. Manager Craig Counsell said Steele would progress through “a couple weeks” of that program before determining his next steps.

During the Cubs’ last homestand, Hoyer said he was “hopeful” that Steele could pitch for Chicago in 2026.

“‘Optimism’ might be strong. He’s had some setbacks, but I think the hope is that he can avoid setbacks and that he can sort of help us later in the season,” Hoyer said. “Not only the hope for this season, but also going into the offseason, it’d be nice to see him out there and pitching healthy just in terms of roster planning for next year.”

The Cubs are about to get Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd (left meniscus) back to the rotation after his second trip to the injured list this year. They’re also currently without veteran righty Jameson Taillon (hamstring strain), while budding ace Cade Horton will miss the season due to right elbow surgery. Those injuries come on top of several bullpen blows, including a pair of IL trips for closer Daniel Palencia.

Steele would have been a welcomed sight for the group this season. He owns a career 3.30 ERA and was an All-Star in 2023. But the Cubs will be cautious with his return after setbacks, and they’ll need him to prove he’s healthy entering the offseason. Steele remains a key part of Chicago’s future, as he’s under club control through 2027.

“Looking at Justin’s career, and obviously looking at next year, I think we really want the really good version of Justin Steele. It’s a void that we feel as a team for sure,” Hoyer added Tuesday. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had him on the mound, so any positive news is great, but I think expecting starts this year is unrealistic."