Justin Steele's post-surgery timeline and outlook, as he watches the first-place Cubs
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs anticipate All-Star pitcher Justin Steele will return to their rotation at some point during the first half of the 2026 season, potentially next May or June, depending on how he recovers from major surgery on his left elbow.
An ideal version of the 2025 Cubs would have had Steele lined up to start a playoff game in October. That possibility was dashed in April, when he underwent a season-ending procedure to repair his flexor tendon and ulnar collateral ligament. In his absence, the first-place Cubs have consistently found different ways to win games and reshape their pitching staff, demonstrating resilience and creativity.
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Wanting to feel that energy and looking for a break from the monotony of his rehab program in Arizona, Steele is planning to make regular visits to Wrigley Field to support his teammates and check in with the club's staff.
With a black brace on his left arm, Steele met with reporters in the home clubhouse before Tuesday's 4-3 11-inning win over the Colorado Rockies, publicly addressing his future for the first time since the operation.
'Any time you get an MRI, you're crossing your fingers, just hoping it comes back clean,' Steele said. 'They saw some stuff getting a little bit worse from the last few times I've gotten an image of it, so it made sense to go in there and figure out what it was.
'Obviously, it sucks. But as soon as you find out the news, you start processing it, trying to figure out what the next steps are, what's the best plan of action for me and my family and the team.'
Steele underwent Tommy John surgery as a minor-league prospect in 2017, which became part of his long journey to Chicago and the gradual development that turned him into a National League Cy Young Award contender. Though this was not classified as a second Tommy John procedure, that rehab experience will be valuable.
Justin Steele is hanging out in the Marquee broadcast booth! pic.twitter.com/unlJhDZhlK
— Cubs Insider (@realcubsinsider) May 28, 2025
'There's a different mentality once you've been through it,' Steele said. 'You kind of know what the tunnel looks like. I remember when I was going through TJ, it was like: 'Am I going to throw the same? Is the ball going to come out different?' There are so many thoughts that are running through your mind. With this one, I can tell already it's going to be the same when I get back. If anything, it's going to be better.'
In the meantime, Steele has found a new routine with his wife, Libby, and their son Beau, sitting back and following what could be a magical season on the North Side.
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'Obviously, I'd like to be out there playing, but it's fun being a fan,' Steele said. 'Libby and Beau and I schedule our days around what time the game's starting. We make sure we're all on the couch. He's got his toys in front of the TV, ready to play. It's been fun to watch.'
(Photo of Justin Steele pitching on April 7, before he left the game with elbow tightness: Matt Marton / Imagn Images)
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