Cubs Eye Long-Term Deal with Standout Pitcher Justin Steele
The Chicago Cubs are considering a significant contract extension for their ace pitcher, Justin Steele, following his remarkable 2023 season. Steele, who is currently on a one-year, $4 million contract for the 2024 season, avoided arbitration and remains under team control through 2027. He will be eligible for free agency in 2028.
Steele’s performance in the 2023 season has been nothing short of exceptional. He posted a 16-5 record with a 3.06 ERA, earning a fifth-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award voting. His dominance on the mound has made him a key figure in the Cubs’ rotation and a prime candidate for a longer-term deal
Analysts suggest that the Cubs should move quickly to secure Steele’s future with the team. A proposed extension could mirror the six-year, $90 million contract Logan Webb signed with the San Francisco Giants. This deal would cover Steele’s remaining arbitration years while adding two additional high-paying seasons, ensuring financial stability for both the player and the team
Steele’s ascent from a fifth-round draft pick in 2014 to the ace of the Cubs’ staff underscores his value to the organization. Locking him into a long-term deal would not only reward his outstanding performance but also solidify the Cubs’ pitching staff as they aim for postseason contention in the coming years.
