The Chicago Cubs face the challenge of replacing injured ace Justin Steele, who will miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to reconstructive elbow surgery. Steele has been a consistent frontline starter for the Cubs with a 3.10 ERA since becoming a full-time starter in 2022.
With the trade market as a potential avenue for finding a replacement, former NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara could be a target, but the Miami Marlins are not expected to rush into a deal. In the interim, the Cubs will rely on internal options such as Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and potentially Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks. Prospect Cade Horton also presents a dark horse option for rotation consideration later in the season. As the Cubs aim for a postseason berth, their ability to shore up their pitching staff in the wake of Steele's absence will be crucial.