The Chicago Cubs' rotation currently ranks 23rd in strikeout rate at 20.5% and 24th in average fastball velocity at 93.4 mph, according to Nytimes. Despite these significant statistical challenges impacting their immediate performance, Jed Hoyer confirmed that even if ace Justin Steele returns this year, he will not rejoin the rotation, according to Sports Illustrated. Jed Hoyer's decision to keep Justin Steele out of the rotation, even if he returns this year, signals a clear organizational priority that extends beyond the current season's win-loss record.

The Cubs' pitching staff faces struggles with low strikeout rates and fastball velocity, creating an immediate competitive void. However, their most accomplished pitcher, Justin Steele, will not rejoin the rotation even if healthy this season. The struggles with low strikeout rates and fastball velocity, coupled with Justin Steele's absence from the rotation even if healthy this season, highlight a tension between immediate competitive needs and long-term asset management, affecting how the Cubs address their pitching staff.

The Cubs are likely signaling a strategic shift towards protecting key assets and building depth, rather than pushing for immediate, risky rotation fixes for their pitching staff needs in the 2026 offseason, despite the current struggles. The Cubs' deliberate approach prioritizes future viability over present-day performance, a notable departure from typical competitive strategies.

The Immediate Pitching Landscape

  • Edward Cabrera has been placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain, joining Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
  • Matthew Boyd is expected to return from meniscus surgery and will take Cabrera's spot in the rotation, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

This extensive injury list forces the team to rely on returning injured players for immediate rotation fill-ins. The ongoing need to integrate recovering pitchers like Boyd, given the extensive injury list, underscores a current lack of healthy, consistent depth. Such reliance on players returning from injury compounds the challenges faced by the Cubs' pitching staff.