Season-Ending Injury for Cubs Prospect

The Chicago Cubs have received discouraging news regarding rising starting pitcher Cade Horton. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed on Tuesday that the young hurler will undergo season-ending surgery to address damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.


A Brief 2026 Campaign

Horton, who finished as the runner-up for the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year award, showed promise early this year. In his season debut on March 28 against the Washington Nationals, he delivered a strong performance, conceding only two runs and one walk across 6 1/3 innings.

However, his momentum was cut short on April 3 during a matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. After a noticeable decline in his pitching velocity during the second inning, Horton requested assistance from the training staff and departed the game. The injury was initially classified as a forearm strain.

While the specific details of the upcoming surgery remain undisclosed, Counsell noted that a date for the procedure has not yet been finalized.


Career-Long Health Challenges

Horton, the seventh overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, has struggled with various physical setbacks throughout his professional and collegiate career. His history includes:

  • Tommy John surgery as a freshman at Oklahoma in 2021.
  • A shoulder injury during the 2024 season.
  • A rib issue that forced him to miss the playoffs last year.

Despite these challenges, his talent remains clear. During his standout 2025 rookie season, he posted a 2.67 ERA over 118 innings, highlighted by a league-best 29-inning scoreless streak.


Impact on Cubs Rotation

The loss of Horton compounds existing rotation issues for Chicago. The team recently placed Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd on the 15-day injured list with a biceps strain, while left-handed pitcher Justin Steele continues his recovery from an elbow procedure performed last spring. While Steele and Boyd are expected to rejoin the roster in the coming weeks, Horton faces a significantly longer rehabilitation process.

According to reporting by The Athletic, the Cubs plan to rely on Javier Assad and Colin Rea to bridge the gap and cover the innings vacated by Horton's absence.