Justin Steele's injury exposes Cubs' risky strategy as ESPN delivers brutal reality check on Jed Hoyer
Justin Steele's injury exposes Cubs' risky strategy as ESPN delivers brutal reality check on Jed Hoyer (Image via Getty)
The Chicago Cubs started this season with big hopes. Their pitching looked strong, their lineup had balance, and fans expected a deep playoff run. But something unexpected changed everything.
Now, the front office is under the spotlight, and all eyes are on Cubs president Jed Hoyer. A recent message from ESPN is only adding to the urgency and fans are wondering what happens next.
Jed Hoyer slammed after
Justin Steele injury
reveals shaky foundation of Chicago Cubs roster
Injury has kept one of the Cubs' best pitchers, Justin Steele, off the mound since early June 2025. His absence has left the team's rotation quite open. Without him, the Cubs have had to count on Ben Brown, whose ERA is 5. 71, and Colin Rea, who has had problems with reliability.
— msports_all (@msports_all)
This has affected the team's strength on the field. Even though the Cubs have a great record — 44 wins and 28 losses as of mid-June — many experts think their pitching is not strong enough to win in the playoffs.
Buster Olney, a top ESPN baseball reporter, wrote in a recent article that the Cubs' problem is clear. He said, 'Chicago is so good… the question for Hoyer is not if the Cubs will make the playoffs, but how they'll win when it matters most.'
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This means just getting into the playoffs is not enough anymore.
Jed Hoyer's next move could shape Cubs' whole season
On Monday, June 17, 2025, Bruce Levine, a veteran MLB insider, spoke on 670 The Score's 'Mully & Haugh Show' in Chicago. He said the trade market is ready and that it's time for Jed Hoyer to act. Levine mentioned, 'I've been talking to a lot of people over the last four or five days… and everybody says it's there for Hoyer.'
Also Read: '
Getting Another Opinion': Cubs' Manager Craig Counsell Reacts On Justin Steele's Elbow Injury
Levine also said the Cubs have money to spend. Because they didn't give big contracts to players like Cody Bellinger or Rafael Devers, the front office now has extra funds, nearly $120 million. That could help them trade for a new top pitcher or maybe even a strong batter.
With a big series against the Milwaukee Brewers coming up, this week could be very important. Fans, media, and other teams are watching to see if Hoyer will make a bold move or wait too long.
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