WATCH: Justin Steele on pitch refinement, offseason throwing routine |
Tony Crumpton
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- Friday, February 28 2025
Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele spoke after his start against the Rangers to discuss how he felt on the mound, shared some insight on how he handled this offseason and more.
“This offseason was about trying to alleviate anything like that happening in the season so I could make a full 30-32 starts,” Steele said. “I never really stopped throwing after the season and kept moving throughout the entire offseason. “So once throwing ramped back up, there was no grace period of getting my shoulder back in shape or anything like that. It was ready to go. It’s been a good transition.” Watch the interview below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
(00:00-00:28) Steele focused on his sinker and changeup during his workout, getting positive results from hitters’ check swings. Plans to work more on his slider in the next bullpen session.
(00:28-00:56) Acknowledges that while he doesn’t want to give up home runs in spring training, it’s part of the process of refining his pitches and increasing pitch count.
(00:56-01:49) Emphasizes throwing strikes and staying in the zone, believing his stuff plays well when executed properly. Mentions he never fully stopped throwing in the offseason, helping with his readiness.
(01:49-02:16) Took only 10 days off post-season before resuming throwing 3-4 times per week, gradually increasing to 5 days per week to maintain arm strength.
(02:16-02:41) Discusses throwing footballs as part of his offseason training, which helps keep his arm loose and mimics his natural throwing motion.
(03:06-03:57) Talks about facing a strong American League lineup and the importance of making 32 starts after missing the first month of last season due to injury.
(04:25-04:51) Prioritizes durability over other goals, aiming for 180 innings while maintaining consistency and giving his team a chance to win each time he pitches.
(04:51-05:45) Believes improving his confidence in throwing the changeup in any count will take him to another level, as he currently relies more on the four-seam fastball and slider.
(06:21-06:50) Has been gradually incorporating the changeup more over the past two years, focusing on refining it during the offseason. Plans to increase its use in games.
(07:15-end) Notes that last season, he threw more changeups in spring training than in the regular season but hopes to integrate them more consistently throughout the year.
“I didn’t pull my hamstring, which was a good thing.”
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 28, 2025
Justin Steele on facing the Rangers today 😂 pic.twitter.com/MFk71gFXdv
