An athlete’s worst fear is being sidelined by injury, and for pitcher Justin Steele, that fear became a reality this season. However, his response to the challenge extended beyond the physical. Steele’s situation tested his mental strength and emotional resilience, but instead of succumbing to discouragement, he remained hopeful and shared a powerful message that caught the attention of many.
His three-word post, “God is Good,” resonated deeply with fans and reflected a strong sense of gratitude and positivity in the face of adversity.
Steele announced that he would miss the rest of the season due to surgery on his left elbow, a blow to both him and the Chicago Cubs. The news came not long after what had been his strongest performance of the season—striking out eight batters over seven scoreless innings against the Texas Rangers. His absence left a noticeable void in the Cubs’ rotation, a role not easily filled.
Appreciate the prayers and thoughts.. 🙏🏻 God is good pic.twitter.com/7ovr23GEtT
— Justin Steele (@J_Steele21) April 18, 2025
Despite the disappointing update, Steele remained composed. On social media, he thanked fans for their thoughts and prayers, expressing his appreciation for the overwhelming support he received. His message was filled with hope and served as a reminder of the power of maintaining a positive outlook during difficult times.
Before the injury, Steele had been a vital part of the Cubs’ pitching staff, with a 3.18 ERA that placed him among the league’s elite. His influence extended beyond his pitching, as his teammates greatly valued his leadership. Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson spoke highly of Steele’s resilience, emphasizing how much the team would miss his presence and eagerly anticipating his return next season.
As the team adjusted to his absence, players like Colin Rea began stepping up, helping maintain the team’s morale and momentum. However, the challenge of replacing Steele’s consistency on the mound remained.
To address the gap left by Steele, the Cubs have been exploring various options. Though open to trade discussions, making a major move this early in the season presents difficulties. Teams are generally cautious about trading valuable players in April while still evaluating their postseason prospects.
The Cubs’ leadership is mindful of not sending the wrong message by acting too aggressively in the trade market. Acquiring a high-caliber pitcher now could suggest panic or early surrender. Nevertheless, a few potential trade candidates have been identified, including Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins, Martin Perez from the White Sox, Nick Martinez of the Reds, and Michael King from the Padres. Another possibility is calling up top prospect Cade Horton to fill the rotation spot.
Although the loss of Steele is significant, the Cubs remain committed to staying competitive. Whether through strategic trades or internal promotions, they are actively seeking solutions to sustain their playoff aspirations. The coming weeks will be crucial as the team determines how best to adapt and maintain strong pitching performances in Steele’s absence.