Can Cubs Rely On Surprise Breakout Success Again in 2024?

The start of the offseason for the Chicago Cubs has been a disappointment. There isn't another way to say it other than a disappointment.

However, that doesn't take away from what the Cubs do have. Chicago has a legitimate ace in Justin Steele and he proved that in 2023. Steele has a chance to continue being the ace heading into 2024 unless the team makes a major move.

Will Leitch of MLB.com believes that Steele was an unexpected breakout candidate in 2023 and has a chance to repeat his success in 2024.

"Steele was fine in 2022, even a little better than fine: He had a 3.18 ERA in 24 starts, and while he probably walked too many guys, he kept the ball in the ballpark. Most people didn’t really notice him, as a soft-tossing lefty who had never been a highly rated prospect," writes Leitch. 

"It’s fair to say no one had him on their short list of 2023 NL Cy Young Award candidates. But for most of 2023, until a slight dip late, Steele was a serious contender for that honor. The improvements? He continued to keep the ball in the park, but he cut his walk rate nearly in half and had a much better defense behind him."

With the uncertainties that need to be addressed this offseason, Steele's one of the constants. He's going to have a huge role in the rotation and will need to continue bringing his best stuff for the Cubs to be the team they want to be next season.

However, all signs point towards Steele being able to replicate the same stuff he brought in 2023 and we head into the 2024 MLB season.