Insider Sparks Concern Over Cubs' Pitching Staff After Opening Weekend

There is some major concern surrounding the Chicago Cubs and their pitching staff following some below average performances by some and injuries to others.

Mar 28, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (35) comes off the field during the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Weekend for the Chicago Cubs didn’t necessarily go as planned after a 1-2 series loss to the Texas Rangers, but they were still able to win one game off the defending World Series champions.

However, the Cubs suffered more than just their first series loss of the season.

They'll be without Justin Steele for a while after he suffered a hamstring injury that required him to be placed on the 15-day injured list.

Steele was expected to be the ace of Chicago’s rotation, one that doesn’t have the luxury of dealing with injuries. Jameson Taillon is also out, leaving a sizeable hole of big-league talent missing from an average rotation. 

If he can return sometime in May, the Cubs should find themselves in a fine position moving forward, but until they prove they can stay afloat without him, concerns will be high for the fan base.

Will Leitch of MLB.com gave one Opening Weekend takeaway for each team and he expressed his concerns for Chicago's pitching staff amongst these injuries.

“That pitching took a big hit in the opener when ace Justin Steele injured his hamstring while fielding a bunt. Just like that, the Cubs are down their best starter for at least a month. The Cubs will get their first regular season look at Shota Imanaga in their Wrigley opener on Monday. He better be ready, because he’s their ace right now -- and could be for a while."

He makes a fair point about the concerns on the mound.

Shota Imanaga was a massive addition in the offseason and will need to be the pitcher the organization expected him to be when they signed him. 

Outside of the Imanaga, the only way for them to not be concerned about this pitching staff is by going out and making a trade.

They had the opportunity to sign Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery but passed on them. They’ll have an opportunity to add pitching prior to the deadline, and should be interested in doing so if they’re serious about being a winning team this year.