Justin Steele

The 2023 All-Star continues to operate as a mid-rotation starter for the Cubs with strikeout upside, though his 2025 campaign raised durability concerns after a significant workload reduction to just 22.2 innings. His 135 strikeouts and 3.07 ERA in 2024 demonstrated his ability to rack up K's and keep ratios competitive, but last season's 4.76 ERA and elevated 1.15 WHIP suggest he may still be working back to full health. Fantasy managers should monitor his innings pitched closely early in the season—if healthy and stretched out, Steele offers solid strikeout production and win potential, but his recent injury history makes him a risky investment in the early rounds. Target him as a back-end starter with potential upside if he returns to a full workload and recaptures his 2024 form.