The Chicago Cubs have formally tendered contracts to left-hander Justin Steele and right-hander Javier Assad, securing their spots on the roster for 2026. In a move that was largely anticipated, the team has also non-tendered catcher Reese McGuire and reliever Eli Morgan, making them eligible for free agency.
Steele, who underwent surgery in April to repair an elbow injury, is expected to make a strong comeback next season, potentially becoming a key member of the Cubs' rotation. Despite missing significant time due to his injury, Steele showcased his promise when he was on the mound last year.
Assad, who struggled with consecutive oblique strains that kept him out for several months, still managed to post a respectable 3.65 ERA in eight appearances this season. The veteran right-hander has demonstrated versatility by excelling both as a starter and reliever, which could be an asset for the Cubs going forward.
McGuire, on the other hand, was the third-string catcher behind Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly last season. However, his performance earned him attention from teams looking to bolster their catchers' depth. The 28-year-old hit nine home runs in 44 major-league appearances, showcasing his potential as a valuable backup.
Morgan, who joined the Cubs a year ago, had a disappointing rookie campaign marked by an injury and limited action. His struggles with an inflamed ulnar nerve led to him landing on the injured list in April, ending his season without pitching again.
Steele, who underwent surgery in April to repair an elbow injury, is expected to make a strong comeback next season, potentially becoming a key member of the Cubs' rotation. Despite missing significant time due to his injury, Steele showcased his promise when he was on the mound last year.
Assad, who struggled with consecutive oblique strains that kept him out for several months, still managed to post a respectable 3.65 ERA in eight appearances this season. The veteran right-hander has demonstrated versatility by excelling both as a starter and reliever, which could be an asset for the Cubs going forward.
McGuire, on the other hand, was the third-string catcher behind Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly last season. However, his performance earned him attention from teams looking to bolster their catchers' depth. The 28-year-old hit nine home runs in 44 major-league appearances, showcasing his potential as a valuable backup.
Morgan, who joined the Cubs a year ago, had a disappointing rookie campaign marked by an injury and limited action. His struggles with an inflamed ulnar nerve led to him landing on the injured list in April, ending his season without pitching again.
Can't wait for the Cubs' 2026 season! Justin Steele is gonna be a beast back in the rotation after that surgery 
He's been missing some time but still showed us what he's got last year 
Javier Assad is another solid addition, love how he can rock both starter and reliever roles 
. And McGuire's 9 homers in 44 apps is insane! 
He's gotta be looking for a new home where he'll get the playing time he deserves 
anyway its cool that they secured steele and assad for 2026 i think both of them have a lot to offer 
steele is gonna be a key guy in the rotation now that he's all healed up, and Assad being able to pitch in both roles will help take some pressure off the starters 
️. He might not be the starter, but as a backup catcher with a strong bat, he's got some appeal to teams looking for depth.
. Don't need to break out the cavalry for these guys unless something goes down with the existing crew.
, I'm so stoked for Justin Steele to make a strong comeback next season! He's got this 
and I think he's gonna be a key player for the Cubs. Interesting 
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I'm low-key hyped to see Steele come back strong - he's got some major potential on his hands. 
And yeah, McGuire showing up as a legit backup catcher is a nice boost too... that guy can whack the ball outta the park! 
As for McGuire and Morgan, they're gettin' a second chance in free agency, which is awesome news for them! 
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Steele and Assad are solid additions, but what about that 4th starter spot? 
... Can he find his mojo again? 
... Just a rookie year to forget 
#CubsRoster
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. And Eli Morgan... well, we all saw what happened last season 
hope he can stay healthy next year, been waiting for him to show what he's got 
don't know much about mcguire, but nine homers in 44 games ain't bad 
morgan's injury was a bummer last year 
but i guess sometimes these things just don't work out