Unsung leader of Cubs' pitching staff caps a validating 2024 campaign

Justin Steele made what was most likely his final appearance in 2024 on Tuesday night in a start against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Steele made his 24th start, going four innings and giving up two earned runs on four hits, no walks, and three strikeouts. It was his second start since returning from an elbow injury, which is why he threw only 62 pitches. His command was on point, throwing 50 strikes.

Steele's season reads as follows: 3.07 ERA, 3.23 FIP, 1.1 WHIP, 9.02 K/9, 2.5 BB/9 in 134.2 innings

Despite missing some time due to multiple injuries, including a strained hamstring that sidelined him for the first month of the season, Steele had another really good season. The number of innings pitched was not as high as his Cy Young candidate season last year, but compare his 3.07 ERA this year to his 3.06 ERA last year and 3.18 ERA in 2022. Very consistent overall. Like last year he primarily worked the four-seam fastball and slider at about a 60-30 ratio and got a sub-.200 average against the slider. Steele still had solid strikeout numbers, didn't walk a lot of guys, and kept the ball in the park (minus two starts against the Pirates, who he has historically struggled against).

Justin Steele's 2024 season proved he's the leader of the Cubs' rotation.

It is interesting how, statistically, he put up a very similar season to 2023, but due to missed time and the season Shota Imanaga had, he did not seem to get quite the same fanfare he got last year. Helped that he was an All-Star and Cy Young candidate in 2023. That said he should arguably still be considered the ace of the squad, which is no disrespect to Imanaga. Steele's consistency over several years has earned him that benefit of the doubt. The fact that he has dealt with several injuries and still pitched to the same level is a testament to his abilities. But hey, if Steele keeps doing what he is doing, as does Imanaga, that is a good debate to have.

There is, of course, the memorable moment when he told his teammates to, "Wake the [bleep] up!" in Milwaukee. He showed not only is he a good pitcher, but also a respected leader and everyone understood where he was coming from. It is a real shame that he will have to go another year to wait to potentially pitch in October.