CHICAGO — A bitter news story has shaken the Cubs fanbase tonight: Justin Steele — the promising left-nosed ace — will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the 2025 season. But just when the tragedy seemed to be at its lowest point, Coach Craig Counsell unexpectedly revealed a glimmer of hope: he expects Steele to return before the 2026 All-Star Break, bringing renewed hope to Wrigley Field and the entire national baseball industry.
On April 13, 2025, after discovering a joint and tendon injury in Steele’s left elbow, the Cubs confirmed he would require surgery — effectively ending his season.
Steele — who was an All-Star in 2023 and had an impressive season with a consistent ERA before that — had a promising start to 2025: 3-1 in four starts, but after his recent seven-point run, an elbow injury forced him to take a break.
The decision to undergo surgery — possibly a “revision repair” or even a “Tommy John” — will not only affect the 2025 season but could extend into early 2026, making the ace’s future uncertain.
Counsell speaks out — “Not for Opening Day, but hopefully in the first half of next season”
Amidst the widespread rumors, Counsell was forced to speak out to reassure fans. “We don’t expect Steele to be ready for Opening Day,” he said — but still affirmed: “We believe he can return in the first half of next season.” ClutchPoints
That’s a big promise — for the Cubs, for the fans, and most importantly for Steele himself. His surgery history (Steele underwent Tommy John in 2017) is concerning — but in just a few months, Wrigley Field could be screaming again when the ace left fielder returns.
With teams scrambling to find quality pitchers for their rotations, retaining and rehabilitating Steele — if successful — could make a big difference for the Cubs. Counsell, along with his staff, is recalibrating the rotation: the fracture from the injury will be an opportunity to add to the lineup, but it will also keep the door open for Steele if he gets healthy again.
With a 32‑22 record, a 3.30 ERA, and more than 500 strikeouts in 102 MLB starts since 2021, Steele is still considered one of the Cubs’ key pitchers.
If he returns on time — before the All-Star Break — it will be a huge boost for the Cubs in their quest for the playoffs. Fans will see more than just a pitcher — they will see a symbol of recovery, determination, and hope.
The news of Steele’s surgery has left many fans disappointed. Even the most optimistic ones can’t hide their concerns: Will he be able to maintain his form next year? Will his old injury recur?
But when Counsell announced a return date — “in the first half of next season” — confidence was immediately rekindled. Posts on social media and Cubs forums turned from regret to hope: “If Steele comes back — we still have a chance.”
One fan wrote: “That seven-inning no-hitter — that was the promise of a return. Come back, Steele.”
Many believe that the injury, surgery, and upcoming rehab will give Steele “mental ammunition”: perseverance, a desire to prove himself, and a renewed drive to try again.
Justin Steele — once a formidable ace — has been sidelined by injury. But Counsell’s announcement keeps the shock from turning into despair.
If all goes well and Steele returns before the 2026 All-Star Break, the Cubs will not only get back a key pitcher — but also rekindle hope for the team, for the fans, for playoff dreams. And at Wrigley Field, sometimes hope is stronger than reality: a promise, a pitch, a comeback — enough to make people believe that “faith never dies.”
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