Cade Horton strong in 2026 debut, leads Cubs to 10-2 win over Nationals

The 24-year-old right-hander went 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs and four hits in an efficient outing.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:23pm

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Cade Horton, the runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year in 2025, had a strong debut for the Chicago Cubs in 2026, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing just two runs on four hits in a 10-2 win over the Washington Nationals. Horton was efficient, needing only 75 pitches to get 19 outs, and his sharp fastball that moves in different directions caused problems for Nationals hitters.

Why it matters

Horton is expected to be a key piece for the Cubs as they aim to reach their championship goals in 2026. After his promising 2025 season was cut short by a rib fracture, the Cubs are counting on Horton to build on his success and lead their starting rotation.

The details

Horton's first start of the 2026 season was not one of the "bumpy games" that Cubs manager Craig Counsell had predicted the young right-hander might face this year as he continues to develop. Horton was in control throughout, relying on his powerful fastball that moves in different ways to keep Nationals hitters off balance. He only recorded four strikeouts, but was able to induce weak contact and let the Cubs' defense make plays behind him.

  • Horton made 22 starts for the Cubs in 2025.
  • Horton's promising 2025 season was cut short by a rib fracture, sidelining him during the playoffs.
  • Horton's 2026 debut came on March 28, 2026.

The players

Cade Horton

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who was the runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year in 2025.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Ian Happ

A Cubs outfielder who hit a three-run home run in the team's four-run sixth inning.

Miguel Amaya

The Cubs' catcher, whose fourth-inning home run was his first since May 19 of last year.

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What they’re saying

“He's throwing a 95, 97 mph fastball that's cutting. I don't think it's the same shape back-to-back any time. Sometimes it cuts and rises, other times it dives down.”

— Ian Happ, Cubs outfielder

“That power fastball that he has is so strong that it's not easy for hitters to put in play. Whenever they make contact it's soft contact in the infield. And then attacking the zone is going to protect all the secondary pitches.”

— Miguel Amaya, Cubs catcher

“He's going to be a huge part of it. He's going to take the ball every fifth day. We need him. We need him to be [that] version of himself. It's been impressive to watch. He's going to continue getting better, that's the fun part of having a guy like him on the staff.”

— Ian Happ, Cubs outfielder

What’s next

The Cubs will look for Horton to build on his strong debut as they aim to reach their championship goals in 2026.

The takeaway

Cade Horton's efficient and dominant performance in his 2026 debut shows why the Cubs are counting on the 24-year-old right-hander to be a key piece of their starting rotation as they pursue a championship this season.