Justin Steele Bio
Justin Carl Steele is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2021 and was an MLB All-Star in 2023. Known for his left-handed pitching style, Steele has quickly established himself as a key player for the Cubs, showcasing impressive statistics and earning accolades in a short span of time.
Early Life and Background
Justin Carl Steele was born on July 11, 1995, in Lucedale, Mississippi, and raised in nearby Agricola by his parents, Ben Steele and Nicki Clark. Growing up, Steele and his older brother, Jordan, spent their childhood practicing baseball in their family backyard, which laid the foundation for his future in the sport. During his sophomore year at George County High School, while rehabilitating from a lower back injury, Steele’s fastball velocity increased to 90 mph, attracting the attention of scouts and recruiters. As a junior in 2013, he recorded a 7–3 win-loss record with a 1.94 earned run average (ERA) and 98 strikeouts in 61.1 innings pitched. In addition to his pitching duties, Steele also played as an outfielder and designated hitter, batting .326 with three home runs and 23 runs batted in (RBI). The following year, he continued to excel, going 5–1 with a 0.98 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 43 innings, which included two no-hitters.
Path to Baseball
The Chicago Cubs selected Justin Steele in the fifth round, 139th overall, of the 2014 MLB Draft. At the time, he had committed to play college baseball at the University of Southern Mississippi but ultimately chose to join the Cubs with a $1 million signing bonus. Steele made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Arizona League Cubs in 2014, pitching to a 2.89 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 18.2 innings. In 2015, he made 10 starts for the Low-A Eugene Emeralds, finishing with a 3–1 record and a 2.66 ERA. In 2016, Steele was promoted to the Single-A South Bend Cubs, where he faced challenges early in the season, ultimately finishing with a 5–7 record and a 5.00 ERA across 19 starts. Despite these struggles, his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) indicated improvement, and he continued to develop his skills.
Justin Steele Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Justin Steele was promoted to the major leagues for the first time on August 2, 2020, but was optioned back down without making an appearance. He made his MLB debut on April 12, 2021, against the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out the first batter he faced. In his rookie season, he finished with a 4-4 record, 59 strikeouts, and a 4.26 ERA. The following year, Steele improved his performance, going 4-7 over 24 starts with a 3.18 ERA and 126 strikeouts. Notably, he posted a remarkable 0.98 ERA in seven starts after the All-Star break before a back injury cut his season short.
Breakthrough (2023)
In 2023, Justin Steele had a breakout season, achieving a 16–5 record with a 3.06 ERA and 176 strikeouts over 30 starts. His performance included a career-high 12 strikeouts in a game against the San Francisco Giants and earned him a selection as an All-Star. Steele’s impressive season culminated in a fifth-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award voting, highlighting his emergence as one of the top pitchers in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Justin Steele’s signature work includes his outstanding 2023 season, where he showcased his skills on the mound and received recognition as an All-Star. His ability to consistently perform at a high level has made him a key player for the Chicago Cubs.
Justin Steele Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Justin Steele has received recognition for his performances, including his selection as an All-Star in 2023.
Justin Steele Awards Won
Justin Steele was named an All-Star in 2023, marking a significant achievement in his young career.
Justin Steele Family
Justin Steele comes from an athletic family; his father played college football for Alabama, and his grandfather played college basketball at Southern Miss. His brother, Jordan, was also a pitcher at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Personal Life
Justin Steele is in a relationship with Libby Murphy, and the couple welcomed a son in July 2022. Steele also hosts a podcast on the Barstool Sports network titled “Steele the Show.”
