When a team loses a starting pitcher for the season, it can be a challenging task to find a replacement, especially if that player has been a key part of the rotation. The Chicago Cubs are currently facing this dilemma as they adjust to the absence of left-hander Justin Steele, who will be out for the rest of the 2025 season due to elbow surgery.
Steele has been a reliable frontline starter for the team and has consistently performed well over the past few seasons. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2022, he has maintained a 3.10 ERA, which ranks him ninth in MLB during that period.
Replacing an All-Star starting pitcher early in the MLB season is no easy feat. While some may suggest exploring the trade market, acquiring a starter is not a simple task.
One potential target for teams this season is former NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara, who is likely to be available before the trade deadline. However, the Miami Marlins are in no rush to make a move, given the high demand for starting pitchers among playoff-contending teams like the Cubs, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles.
For now, the Cubs will need to look internally for solutions to their rotation issues until the trade market becomes more active. The team’s healthy starters include ace Shota Imanaga, veteran right-handers Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd, and second-year right-hander Ben Brown.
Despite having solid options in their rotation, the Cubs may need to explore additional options for a postseason push. Right-hander Javier Assad, who performed well in 2024, could be a key player once he returns from injury. Left-hander Jordan Wicks, the Cubs’ 2021 first-round draft pick, may also get an opportunity to prove himself in the rotation.
Another potential candidate to join the Cubs’ rotation is 2023 first-round pick Cade Horton, currently pitching at Triple-A Iowa with impressive stats. Having a deep pool of talented pitchers could be crucial for the Cubs as they aim for a postseason berth.
While the Cubs boast a strong offensive lineup and ample run support, filling the gap left by Steele’s injury will be essential for their postseason aspirations. Fortunately, the team has time to evaluate their options, both internally and on the trade market, to address this challenge.