Cubs’ Star Justin Steele’s Shock Season-Ending Surgery: Chicago Is Doomed Again by a Pitching Curse and His Replacement Is…?

In a season that was already filled with high hopes for the Chicago Cubs, the unthinkable has happened: star pitcher Justin Steele, the ace of the Cubs’ pitching staff, will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing unexpected surgery. This shocking news has rocked the Cubs’ fanbase, casting a dark shadow over the team’s playoff aspirations and stirring up memories of past seasons marked by pitching misfortune. With Steele sidelined, Chicago is left wondering: Can the Cubs continue to contend, or are they doomed by a pitching curse?

The Shocking Announcement

The Cubs’ front office and coaching staff were left reeling when the news broke that Justin Steele would require season-ending surgery. The 27-year-old left-hander, who had emerged as one of the most reliable pitchers in the Cubs’ rotation, had been performing at an elite level this season. With an ERA that had been among the league’s best and a stellar strikeout-to-walk ratio, Steele had been a key factor in keeping the Cubs competitive.

However, during a routine checkup following a few minor discomforts, team doctors discovered a significant injury that required immediate surgery. The details surrounding the nature of the injury remain confidential, but sources suggest that it was a chronic issue that had been affecting Steele’s pitching mechanics for some time. Although the team initially hoped for a less invasive procedure, it became clear that surgery was the only option to preserve his long-term health and career.

As a result, Steele is officially out for the remainder of the 2025 MLB season, leaving a massive hole in the Cubs’ starting rotation.

A Curse or Just Bad Luck?

Chicago’s pitching staff has been historically cursed, and this injury feels like just another chapter in that unfortunate saga. For decades, the Cubs have struggled with inconsistent pitching, often seeing their top arms falter under pressure or suffer from injuries that derail their potential. From the days of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior to the more recent struggles of Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks, the Cubs’ pitching woes have been well-documented.

Many fans and analysts are now starting to wonder whether the team is cursed when it comes to pitching. Just as the Cubs appeared to have found their ace in Steele, the pitching misfortune strikes once again. In the years leading up to this injury, Steele had been one of the few bright spots in a Cubs rotation that had been in need of stability. His departure now leaves the team with a significant gap to fill.

While it’s easy to chalk up Steele’s injury as just another unfortunate incident, the recurring nature of these pitching problems in Chicago raises questions about whether something more sinister is at play. For Cubs fans, this injury feels all too familiar, adding to the list of painful pitching-related memories from years past.

Who Will Replace Justin Steele?

With Justin Steele out for the remainder of the season, the Cubs now face a difficult decision regarding who will take over his spot in the rotation. The team’s pitching depth has been a concern all season, and replacing a pitcher of Steele’s caliber won’t be easy. While the Cubs do have some promising arms in their farm system, it’s unclear whether any of them will be able to step up and provide the same level of performance that Steele had delivered in 2025.

The most logical candidate to replace Steele is right-hander Marcus Stroman. Stroman, who has been a solid presence in the Cubs’ rotation since his arrival, is known for his consistency and groundball-heavy pitching style. He has the ability to step into a larger role and provide the Cubs with a reliable option every five days. However, Stroman has had his own struggles this season, and there are questions about whether he can handle the added pressure of being the team’s new ace.

Another option could be left-hander Drew Smyly. Smyly has shown flashes of brilliance in his career but has been inconsistent at times. If he can find his groove, he could provide much-needed stability for the Cubs. The team may also look to their minor league system for a potential call-up, with pitchers like Caleb Kilian or Ben Brown showing promise in Triple-A.

Regardless of who steps into the rotation, it’s clear that the Cubs will need to make adjustments quickly. The team’s postseason hopes are hanging by a thread, and they can’t afford to go into a playoff race without a reliable starting rotation.

The Impact on the Cubs’ Playoff Hopes

The loss of Justin Steele is a devastating blow to the Cubs, who had been riding high after a strong start to the 2025 season. With a competitive NL Central division and fierce wild card contenders, the Cubs were in the hunt for a playoff spot. However, with Steele out of the picture, the team’s pitching depth will be severely tested.

While the Cubs do have some solid hitters in their lineup, including perennial All-Stars like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki, their success has always been tied to the performance of their pitching staff. Without a top-tier ace like Steele, the Cubs will need to rely on their bullpen and hope for some consistency from their remaining starters.

The next few weeks will be critical for the Cubs. If they can find a way to stay competitive despite the loss of Steele, they may still have a shot at making the playoffs. However, if their pitching falters in his absence, it could spell the end of their postseason dreams for another year.

A Glimmer of Hope?

Despite the setback, there is still a glimmer of hope for the Cubs. The team has shown resilience in the past and has a solid roster that can compete with the best in the National League. If the pitchers who replace Steele can step up and perform at a high level, and if the Cubs’ offense continues to produce, they may still have a chance to make a run at the postseason.

Additionally, the Cubs’ front office may look to make a trade for a starting pitcher to bolster their rotation. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and acquiring a reliable arm could be the key to keeping the team’s playoff hopes alive.

Conclusion

The news of Justin Steele’s season–ending surgery has shaken the Chicago Cubs to their core. Once considered the anchor of the team’s rotation, Steele’s injury now leaves the Cubs with a gaping hole to fill. While the team’s playoff hopes are now in jeopardy, it is