Justin Steele – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Justin Steele has really become a valuable pitcher for the Chicago Cubs in the last few years. The lefty’s journey through the Cubs organization shows a steady climb and more and more recognition for what he can do on the mound.

Justin Steele just agreed to a $6.55 million contract with the Chicago Cubs for the 2025 season. He avoided arbitration and locked in a pretty big raise from his old salary.

Steele’s new deal marks a huge jump in his earning power. He used to make about $740,000, and his salary keeps climbing as his performance improves.

With this contract, Steele’s building up his finances, and his estimated net worth hovers around $2.9 million. The Cubs clearly see his value, not just in what they pay him but in how they plan for the future.

As Steele heads into what could be the best years of his career, his contract keeps coming up in Cubs fan conversations. He’s got three more years of team control after 2025, so his mix of solid performance and reasonable salary makes him both a big asset to the Cubs and an interesting target for other teams.

He made an All-Star team, and he keeps adding to his reputation as one of the most reliable lefty starters in the game.

Justin Steele’s Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Steele’s path to becoming a Chicago Cubs pitcher started in Lucedale, Mississippi. Even as a kid, his baseball skills stood out.

His progress through high school and into pro ball really shows the development of a naturally talented left-handed pitcher.

Background and Family

Justin Carl Steele was born on July 11, 1995, in Lucedale, Mississippi. It’s a pretty small town—about 3,000 people if you’re counting.

Growing up in such a close-knit place, Steele picked up strong family values that later helped him in baseball.

His parents noticed his athletic talent early and encouraged him to join youth baseball leagues. Out in rural Mississippi, he had tons of space to practice, which probably helped him build his arm strength and work on his technique.

Steele’s family made big sacrifices to support his baseball dreams. They spent a lot of time on the road for tournaments and showcases.

That foundation of support really shaped the work ethic and drive he shows on the mound.

High School Achievements

At George County High School in Lucedale, Steele quickly became one of the top pitching prospects in Mississippi. Scouts around the region noticed his powerful lefty delivery and advanced command for his age.

During his senior year, Steele put up ridiculous numbers—an ERA under 1.00 and over 100 strikeouts. That kind of dominance helped George County rack up wins and boosted his draft stock.

He could hit, too. Steele’s all-around athleticism stood out, not just his pitching.

Some of his high school highlights:

• All-State selection
• Team MVP
• Perfect Game showcase participant
• Top-ranked lefty pitcher in Mississippi

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The Chicago Cubs picked Steele in the fifth round (139th overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft, straight out of high school. The Cubs clearly believed in his potential as a left-handed starter.

Steele chose to sign with the Cubs for about $1 million instead of going to college. At just 19, he started his pro career in the Arizona Rookie League and made his debut in the summer of 2014.

That first season, he showed promise. Steele threw his fastball in the 92-94 mph range and started working on a breaking ball that would later become one of his best pitches.

Professional Career and Milestones

Steele has worked his way up to become a key pitcher for the Cubs. He’s gone from a promising prospect to a mainstay in the rotation.

His MLB journey highlights his resilience and steady growth.

Major League Debut

Steele made his big league debut for the Chicago Cubs on April 12, 2021, facing the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs had drafted him back in 2014, right out of George County High.

He started out pitching from the bullpen but then transitioned into a starting role as the season went on. During his rookie year, he flashed a nasty breaking ball and showed improvement with his fastball command.

That move from reliever to starter wasn’t exactly smooth, but it made it clear the Cubs wanted him as part of their rotation long-term, not just a bullpen guy.

Chicago Cubs Career Highlights

Steele’s development really took off in 2022 when he locked down a spot in the starting rotation. As he refined his pitch mix and command, he became more effective.

The 2023 season was a true breakout for him. Steele put up numbers that got him mentioned in the NL Cy Young race—an ERA under 3.00 and great strikeout rates.

In 2024-25, he teamed up with fellow lefty Shota Imanaga to form one of the better southpaw duos in the NL Central. That pairing has become a big part of the Cubs’ approach against division rivals.

Steele’s pay jumped from just $740,000 a year to a $6,550,000 contract for 2024, which really shows how much the Cubs value him now.

Notable Performances and Achievements

Steele has had some standout games that cemented his status as a legit starter:

• 10-strikeout complete game vs. the Brewers in 2023
• 16-game stretch in late 2023 with an ERA under 2.50
• His first All-Star selection in 2023
• Top 10 finish in NL Cy Young voting

His slider has turned into one of the most effective pitches in baseball, judging by opponent batting average and whiff rate.

Steele’s game has steadily improved in key areas:

• He’s walked fewer hitters each year
• Strikeout percentage keeps climbing
• Gets more ground balls
• Works deeper into games

NL Central Rivalries

Steele’s built some real rivalries in the NL Central, especially against the Brewers. These divisional matchups often set the tone for important series.

He’s shown great command and composure against Milwaukee, keeping their power hitters in check and piling up strikeouts. Those outings have mattered in the tight NL Central race.

The Cardinals-Cubs rivalry stands out too. Steele dominated with a seven-inning, 12-strikeout game at Busch Stadium—Cubs fans still talk about that one.

He’s also done well against right-handed power bats from Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, making him especially valuable in division games.

The Cubs often line him up to start crucial series, and his success against division rivals has helped keep them in the hunt.

Justin Steele’s Contract Details

Steele’s contract situation has changed a lot since his MLB debut. His current deal reflects his growing value as a starter, and his future earnings are definitely something fans and the team watch closely.

Current Contract Overview

Right now, Steele’s playing under a one-year deal worth $6.55 million for 2025. That’s a big jump from his previous salaries, and it shows he’s become a key part of the Cubs’ rotation.

There’s a bit of confusion over the exact numbers. Baseball Reference lists his salary at $6.55 million, but another source says he was at $740,000 before. Either way, the increase shows the Cubs recognize his value.

Steele remains under team control for a few more seasons. With three years left, he’s a valuable asset for the Cubs or any team looking for a reliable starter.

Contract Extensions and Negotiations

So far, there haven’t been any public reports of contract extension talks between Steele and the Cubs. Still, his performance and years of team control make him a good candidate for a long-term deal.

Spotrac estimates his market value at about 3 years, $59.6 million, with an average of $19.88 million per year. That would put him 68th overall in MLB and 25th among starting pitchers.

The Cubs’ front office has a tricky decision to make. They’re in a competitive window, so locking up a talented pitcher makes sense. On the other hand, his value as a trade chip is high—he could bring back multiple prospects if the Cubs decide to look ahead.

Player Options and Buyouts

Steele’s current contract doesn’t have any player options or buyout clauses, as far as anyone’s reported. It’s just a straightforward one-year deal for 2025.

That setup gives the Cubs plenty of flexibility. With no no-trade clause or player opt-out, the team controls his services through the arbitration years.

As trade deadlines get closer, Steele’s name might pop up in rumors. His performance and team-friendly contract would make him a hot commodity for teams looking to add pitching without paying free agent prices.

The Cubs have to decide whether to keep him or consider trade offers, especially if they’re not in contention. His affordable contract and years of control would appeal to contenders needing a boost in their rotation.

Net Worth and Financial Insights

Steele’s built his financial base mostly through his MLB earnings, though different sources give slightly different net worth figures. Outside of his baseball salary, he’s started exploring other ways to make money as a pro athlete.

Estimated Net Worth

Recent reports put Steele’s net worth at about $2,904,537. That’s mostly from his baseball pay since joining the Cubs.

His current MLB contract gives his earnings a big boost. He’s now got a 1-year, $6,550,000 deal with the Cubs.

That’s a big jump from $740,000 in 2023 and $705,000 in 2022.

Analysts estimate his market value at about $19,880,885 per year, which puts him 25th among MLB starting pitchers by financial value.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Steele hasn’t gone big on endorsements, at least not yet. He seems to focus on his pitching more than chasing sponsorships.

With his growing profile in MLB, though, he could land deals with sporting goods brands or Chicago-area companies. As he keeps performing, his commercial appeal should only go up.

Local businesses in Chicago often look to partner with Cubs players, and Steele’s down-to-earth personality would probably make him a great fit for brands looking for an authentic athlete spokesperson.

Business Ventures

Outside of baseball, Steele hasn’t really put himself out there when it comes to business investments or entrepreneurship. Unlike some veteran players who chase business deals while still playing, Steele mostly keeps his eyes on his MLB career.

Some athletes team up with financial advisors from places like Yahoo Finance to handle their investments, but nobody’s shared details about how Steele manages his money.

Security and financial protection matter a lot to pro athletes. Many MLB players turn to specialized firms to safeguard their assets and plan for life after baseball. Still, there’s nothing public that says Steele has set up those kinds of relationships.

As Steele moves forward in his MLB career and lands bigger contracts, financial experts think he might branch out and try more diverse investments or business ventures.

Personal Life, Health, and Community Impact

Off the mound, Justin Steele tries to keep his life balanced, focusing on his own well-being and helping others. He pays as much attention to mental fitness as he does to physical training, and his community work shows he wants to make a difference beyond baseball.

Mental Health and Awareness Initiatives

Steele has stepped up as a voice for mental health awareness in pro sports. During his time with the Chicago Cubs, he’s joined in on several team mental health campaigns. These efforts aim to break down the stigma around talking about mental well-being among athletes and fans.

After dealing with the pressures of pro baseball himself, Steele has spoken openly about why mental conditioning matters just as much as physical training. In a 2023 interview, he said, “The mental game is just as important as the physical one. You can’t succeed at this level without both.”

He supports a range of MLB mental health initiatives, joining in on events during Mental Health Awareness Month. He also shares resources with fans on his social media.

Community Involvement

The Chicago Cubs pitcher has built a reputation for caring about his community, especially youth baseball programs in underprivileged areas. Each year, he hosts a baseball clinic in his hometown of Lucedale, Mississippi, giving equipment and coaching to kids who might not otherwise get a shot at organized sports.

Steele teams up with Chicago-area organizations to support literacy programs in public schools. His reading initiative has put thousands of books into elementary school libraries across the city.

During the off-season, he shows up at Cubs community events, like hospital visits and food drives. His dedication to service really reflects his small-town roots and the values his family taught him.

Medical and Personal Interests

When he’s not playing baseball, Steele has a few personal interests that help him decompress. He’s an outdoorsman at heart—fishing and hiking on his days off. He says these activities help him keep his head clear during long, tough seasons.

Steele works directly with sports medicine specialists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and collaborates with analytics teams to fine-tune his training and recovery. This partnership has helped him keep his pitching sharp throughout his career.

He’s personally interested in medical science, especially research on sports injuries. After dealing with his own setbacks early on, Steele has become pretty invested in new treatments for elbow and shoulder injuries in pitchers.

Legal and Public Controversies

Justin Steele has mostly avoided legal issues and public controversies during his career with the Chicago Cubs. He’s kept his focus on pitching and helping the team rather than getting caught up in off-field drama.

Court Cases and Legal Issues

Unlike some athletes who end up in court, Steele hasn’t had any notable legal troubles during his time in Major League Baseball. There aren’t any records of him being involved in significant lawsuits—either professionally or personally.

By steering clear of legal distractions, Steele has been able to focus on building his career. This clean record probably helps his standing with the Cubs and keeps fans on his side.

He’s also kept a good relationship with the league’s governing commission, avoiding suspensions or fines that have tripped up other MLB players.

Consent and Representation

Steele relies on professional representation to handle his contract negotiations and manage his public image. His contract with the Chicago Cubs worth $6,550,000 for 2025 was negotiated through the usual channels, and he’s managed to avoid the disputes that sometimes pop up during arbitration.

His representatives have done a solid job managing his career, as you can see from his salary jump from about $740,000 to his current multi-million dollar deal.

Steele pays close attention to his public image and what he puts out on social media, making sure his statements and appearances line up with his values as an athlete.

Media Coverage and Public Opinions

Most media outlets talk about Steele’s pitching and what he brings to the Cubs. They don’t really dig into his personal life or stir up drama.

Baseball analysts love to debate his future—should the Cubs lock him up with a contract extension or maybe trade him while his value’s high? They point out he’s got “three more years of control,” and honestly, if the Cubs did trade him, the return should be pretty great. That’s the general vibe.

Cubs fans? They’re usually on Steele’s side. You’ll spot plenty of positive chatter about him on Reddit, especially around his arbitration settlement. People seemed genuinely happy for him.

Sports media has watched Steele go from a prospect with some buzz to a solid MLB pitcher. He hasn’t attracted the kind of negative attention some athletes get when things go sideways.