The Chicago Cubs have avoided arbitration with Justin Steele. Steele missed a majority of the year after recovering from elbow surgery, but managed to get more than what was projected at the start of the season. The Athletic's Patrick Mooney reports that Steele will earn $6.775M in 2026.
Source: Cubs pitcher Justin Steele agreed to a one-year, $6.775 million contract ahead of today’s deadline to exchange salary figures for arbitration-eligible players.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) January 8, 2026
Cubs send quiet message with how they handled Justin Steele
If nothing else, the agreement is one less thing for Steele to worry about as he works his way back.