Cubs 2026 arbitration projections quietly put Justin Steele back in the spotlight

Chicago Cubs v Athletics | Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImagesThe Chicago Cubs are in the middle of a playoff run, hoping to find the prevailing advantage of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS. Of course, that doesn't stop procedural Major League Baseball events from happening. MLB Trade Rumors released the projected arbitration salaries for the offseason, and for the Cubs, it's a reminder that Justin Steele can once again be factored into the team's plans.

Steele's 2025 season was wiped away after the fourth start of his campaign, suffering an elbow injury that ultimately required Tommy John surgery. The expectation is that Steele won't be ready for Opening Day of the 2026 season, but should…