Counsell Confirms Steele Will Be Unavailable for Opening Day

Cubs manager Craig Counsell addressed reporters at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday, covering a variety of topics related to the team’s preparation for the 2026 season. One of those topics was Justin Steele, who underwent elbow surgery early in the 2025 season and has been working his way back. There was some hope that his recovery could have him ready by the end of spring training, but Counsell said Opening Day is not a possibility.

Craig Counsell on Justin Steele’s return: “It’s not gonna be Opening Day … I think it’ll be the first half of the season.” pic.twitter.com/jP1hxayOBI

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Counsell added, however, that Steele should be ready at some point during the first half. That availability will inform the Cubs’ pitching pursuits, but they can’t proceed as though Steele will immediately return to the top of the rotation.