“I think we’re going to be looking for pitching — both rotation and in the bullpen.” The message from the Cubs‘ President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, is loud and clear as the trade deadline approaches. They’re leading the NL Central with a scorching 48–32 record, powered by a relentless offense. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, sure, but as they set their eye on the October glory, the real test lies on the mound. With rotation gaps and late-inning pressure building, the big question looms: Is their bullpen built for postseason survival?

With Justin Steele’s season-ending injury, the Cubs have a huge void in the rotation. They are rumored to be aggressive at the trade deadline in search of a reliable starting pitcher. Meanwhile, with a 3.32 ERA, their bullpen ranks third in all of MLB. With the starters struggling, it’s the back end that’s taken the brunt, but Drew Pomeranz, Caleb Thielbar, Brad Keller, and other relievers have stepped up when it mattered most. And what about their closer? Daniel Palencia has been nothing less than dominant this season. But now, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers has come forward with advice to replace the reliever.

“You’ll know really how serious the Cubs are in terms of going all the way if they replace Palencia with someone better and more experienced,” Rogers said while speaking with Lance Brozdowski on the Cubs Weekly Podcast. “Because it feels like a little bit of a luxury right now, the way Palencia is pitching, to go out and get another closer. But pitching in the ninth inning in June is hard enough. To do it in October with no experience is a different animal,” he added. Rogers believes the Cubs’ chances would increase if they acquire a high-leverage reliever.

Sure, the 25-year-old Palencia is not very experienced. But he has posted a stellar 1.86 ERA this season and has converted 8 of 9 save opportunities. If he continues this stellar form, there is no doubt that the closer role is secured with him. But if the Cubs choose to rely on him and skip adding a veteran arm, they may regret it in August if Palencia’s fire cools off; by then, options may be off the table.

The Cubs have been in a similar spot before. Remember how they signed Aroldis Chapman to replace their closer Hector Rondon in 2016? They ended that season with a World Series title. As they eye another championship ring this year, it might make sense to bring in someone who can at least take the pressure off Palencia. But it’s yet to be seen if Jed Hoyer will make a move for a closer.

However, the bullpen shouldn’t be their immediate concern. Their main focus at the trade deadline should be starting pitchers. With Shota Imanaga returning from the IL, there’s a wave of hope. But it is not enough as long as their ace, Justin Steele, is sidelined. While the team is holding up without him, Steele is definitely itching to make a comeback.

Justin Steele is eager to rejoin the fight

As the Cubs enter the crucial stretch of the season, the starter who was supposed to anchor the rotation is still watching from the sidelines. Steele entered the season with a career 3.30 ERA and high hopes of leading the team to October. But since April, he’s been on the IL due to left elbow tendinitis. Currently recovering from surgery and rehabbing in Arizona, the 29-year-old recently made his feelings known about a return to the mound.

In his appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, he opened up about his recovery journey. “It’s going great. Every day I show up, I just tell them I’m like another week ahead of schedule,” Steele told the hosts. “So at this point, I’m like four weeks ahead of schedule. So maybe a playoff push or something.”He added. “Jokingly, every day, I’m like, ‘Throwing Monday, and throwing next Monday, right?’ And everybody just kind of laughs it off,” he continued.

It’s completely understandable that he wants to be part of the incredible run his team is having right now. And it’s clear the Cubs have yet to find a true replacement for the void he left behind. With Steele’s return to the mound, they can easily solve their rotation concerns. Still, a full and careful recovery is essential to avoid any setbacks. Steele may be optimistic, but with the trade deadline just five weeks out, the Cubs can’t ignore the need for a replacement. At this point, that may be the only way forward.