Craig Counsell Speaks: Bregman, Steele, Imanaga, Busch, More ...Middle East

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell certainly fulfills his duty as a “coach” as well as anyone in the game, but part of his unique value is his involvement in some of the more executive-y facets of an organization. He participates at all levels, including player targeting and acquisition. It’s unsurprising, then, that he’s at the Winter Meetings, undoubtedly helping Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins where they need it.

Being that he is there in Orland, Counsell spoke with the media in a few hits worth sharing.

From a news perspective, he indicated that things are still humming along without any changes on Justin Steele’s prognosis as he returns from elbow surgery:

Craig Counsell on Justin Steele's return: "It's not gonna be Opening Day … I think it'll be the first half of the season." pic.twitter.com/jP1hxayOBI

The hope is something like late-May or early-June for Steele’s return, but as Counsell said, it’s really hard to put too fine of a point on it until at least Spring Training. You have to see how a guy feels as he starts to get on the kind of throwing program that precedes a ramp up to competitive play.

Meanwhile, Counsell is optimistic about Shota Imanaga’s season ahead, in part because he could take what didn’t go well in 2025 and use it:

"I'm really excited about Shota. I think he's in a really good place … I think Shota's gonna take his lessons from last year and be better."Craig Counsell is optimistic about Shota Imanaga in 2026. pic.twitter.com/6qsGi5pdEu

Here’s the full media session, via Marquee:

Good listen across the board.

A lot of talk about depth among the pitching group and on the bench, with a particular focus on the latter, given how healthy the Cubs were positionally last year. Counsell rightly notes that you can’t assume that’ll happen again, and you need some depth and protection and redundancy.

Also a lot of talking up the young players on the roster, and the need to give them opportunities. Less from a roster construction perspective or even a player development perspective, and more from a perspective that you simply need players like that to become contributors if you’re going to win.

Craig Counsell LOVES Nico Hoerner. That much is very clear. And very deserved. I have a feeling Counsell is going to be banging the table this time next year for the Cubs to keep Hoerner long-term.

Some praise for Matt Shaw, outside of the session:

"(He's) just getting better defensively. He's gonna be one of the better third basemen … Matt's gonna be an important part of the 2026 Cubs team."Craig Counsell discusses Matt Shaw with @MLBBruceLevine. pic.twitter.com/mX3N8Eiqgv

Counsell also hopped on MLB Network for a ranging discussion:

This past season, the @Cubs advanced to the NLDS for the first time since 2017!Craig Counsell discusses his second season as manager and how he looks to fortify their bullpen this offseason.MLB Network + @SageUSAmerica pic.twitter.com/ZFu0IvPbOZ

Of note in there, Counsell actually kinda took the bait on the Alex Bregman question, saying that part of what he sees in Bregman was something he loved about his team this year (baseball rats, deeply into the game, always trying to find the extra edge by working together, etc.). Usually you don’t hear a Cubs executive or manager actually comment on a free agent like that. Probably doesn’t MEAN too much, but interesting.

Counsell also confirmed that Michael Busch has earned more opportunities in 2026 against lefties, so you do wonder if that means finding a righty bench bat a la Justin Turner this time around is less of a priority.

No surprise coming from a manager on the bullpen: “We’ve got a lot of work to do there.” Counsell was pretty candid about the needs the Cubs have to supplement their bullpen group as it stands today, but that’s not surprising.

Hence then, the article about craig counsell speaks bregman steele imanaga busch more was published today ( Wednesday 10/12/2025 - 03:28 AM ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Craig Counsell Speaks: Bregman, Steele, Imanaga, Busch, More )

Also on site :

• BCCI to announce India squad for New Zealand ODIs in early January, focus on Shreyas Iyer & Shubman Gill
• BGMI 4.2 Update Release Date, Weapon Balances, and More
• McLaren’s blink-and-you-miss-it other win in 2025