Craig Counsell’s Desperate Plea: Can He Solve the Cubs’ Rotation Crisis?
The Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season has taken a dramatic turn, and not for the better. Once thought to be a solid contender in the NL Central, the Cubs are now grappling with a full-blown rotation crisis — one that has left first-year Cubs manager Craig Counsell scrambling for answers.
Injuries, underperformance, and inconsistency have plagued a starting staff that was once considered serviceable, if not spectacular. Justin Steele, the de facto ace, has missed several starts due to arm fatigue, while Kyle Hendricks — the veteran presence in the clubhouse — has struggled to keep hitters off balance in what may be his final season in a Cubs uniform. Meanwhile, younger arms like Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown have shown flashes, but their inconsistency has only added to the frustration.
Counsell, brought in with a record-setting managerial deal to bring stability and long-term vision to the Cubs, is now facing his biggest test just months into the job. “We’re looking at everything,” he said after a recent loss. “Bullpen games, openers, internal options. We’re going to have to get creative and find ways to get outs.”
Behind closed doors, Cubs insiders suggest the front office is also weighing potential trades, though the market is thin and asking prices are steep. With the All-Star break approaching, time is running out for Counsell and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to stabilize the rotation before the season slips away.
Counsell’s track record with the Brewers showed his ability to manage with limited resources — deftly using bullpen arms, maximizing platoons, and developing young talent. But Chicago presents a different challenge. The expectations are higher, the scrutiny more intense, and the roster — while promising — is not yet a finished product.
“We knew this would take time,” Counsell admitted. “But the pitching depth has been tested early, and we’ve got to find a way to respond.”
Fans, meanwhile, are growing restless. After an encouraging 2023 season that saw the Cubs in the playoff hunt until the final weeks, this year’s team has failed to build momentum. Some have already begun to question if Counsell’s calm demeanor and analytical approach are enough to inspire a turnaround.
Still, it’s too early to count the Cubs out. The offense has shown potential, especially with young stars like Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong contributing regularly. If the front office can add even one reliable arm and Steele returns to form, the Cubs could remain competitive in a wide-open division.
But for now, all eyes are on Counsell — the man tasked with steering this ship through rough waters. Can he solve the rotation puzzle? Can he ignite a spark in a struggling team?
One thing’s for sure: the honeymoon is over, and the pressure in Wrigleyville is only heating up.
