Cubs Rotation Aims for 340 Combined Innings from Horton and Cabrera

Reaching this milestone could make the Cubs' starting five truly special in 2026.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:25pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp planes of color and form representing the delivery of the pitch from multiple angles.A cubist interpretation of the Cubs' young pitching duo aiming to anchor the rotation with a combined 340 innings.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs have a deep and talented starting rotation, but according to ESPN's Bradford Doolittle, the key to the group becoming 'special' this season lies in young starters Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera combining for at least 340 innings pitched. If Horton and Cabrera can each reach around 170 innings, it would provide a major boost to the Cubs' staff and help offset the lack of a true ace.

Why it matters

The Cubs' rotation lacks a dominant, Cy Young-caliber starter, so the team will need strong, full-season contributions from all of its starters to be successful. Hitting the 340-inning mark for Horton and Cabrera would show they are ready to take on bigger workloads and anchor the rotation.

The details

Horton, a rookie last season, threw 118 innings, while Cabrera's career-high is 137 2/3 innings. If the two young starters can combine for 340 innings in 2026, it would mean each averaging around 170 innings pitched. This would be a big increase in workload for both players, but it's a realistic goal that could elevate the entire Cubs rotation.

  • Cade Horton threw 118 innings as a rookie in 2025.
  • Edward Cabrera's career-high in innings is 137 2/3.

The players

Cade Horton

A young starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who threw 118 innings as a rookie in 2025.

Edward Cabrera

A starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who has a career-high of 137 2/3 innings pitched.

Shota Imanaga

A starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.

Matthew Boyd

A starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.

Jameson Taillon

A starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“Pivotal number: 255 2/3. If you combined the career-high innings total for new starter Edward Cabrera (137 2/3) with the number of frames put up by Cade Horton as a rookie last season (118), this is what you get.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer

“But the best chance for this group to become truly special is for Cabrera and Horton to be full-season catalysts. If that happens, this number will look more like 340.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer

What’s next

If Horton and Cabrera can each reach around 170 innings pitched this season, it would go a long way towards solidifying the Cubs' rotation as one of the best in baseball.

The takeaway

The Cubs' starting rotation has the potential to be special in 2026, but it will require strong, full-season contributions from young starters Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera. Reaching a combined 340 innings between the two would be a major milestone that could elevate the entire staff.