In an announcement that comes as no surprise to fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, Craig Counsell, the manager of the Chicago Cubs, has officially designated Justin Steele as the team's Opening Day starting pitcher. This decision cements Steele's rise to prominence within the Cubs' pitching rotation, solidifying his status as a key player for the upcoming season.

At 28 years old, Steele has rapidly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of baseball. Following his breakout performance in the second half of 2022, he earned an All-Star selection in 2023. Throughout that season, Steele displayed exceptional skill, boasting a notable 3.06 ERA over 173.1 innings pitched. His contributions to the team were invaluable, as he consistently provided the Cubs with a strong chance of victory every time he stepped onto the mound. Steele's commendable performance resulted in a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 4.9, further illustrating his significant impact on the team's success.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, expectations for Steele remain high. As with any dedicated athlete, he hopes to continue his upward trajectory and surpass his achievements from the previous year. However, even if he were to replicate the same level of success as he did in 2023, it would be considered a remarkable feat.

The Chicago Cubs' Opening Day will take place on March 28 in Texas, where they will face off against the reigning world champions, the Texas Rangers. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:35pm CT and will be broadcasted on ESPN. This highly anticipated match will not only serve as an exciting start to the season for the Cubs, but it will also provide Steele with an opportunity to showcase his skills on a prominent stage.

As the Cubs prepare for a new season filled with promise and aspirations, the appointment of Justin Steele as the Opening Day starter serves as a testament to his dedication and the incredible progress he has made over the years. Fans eagerly await the first pitch, hopeful that Steele's exceptional abilities will propel the team to a successful start to the season and set the tone for what lies ahead.