Cubs' Cade Horton to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery

Promising young pitcher will miss remainder of 2026 season after injury

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, red, and white representing the Chicago Cubs' uniform colors.The Cubs' pitching rotation faces a major challenge with the season-ending injury to young ace Cade Horton.Chicago Today

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton, 24, will undergo season-ending surgery on his right elbow, manager Craig Counsell announced on Tuesday. Horton, who had an impressive rookie campaign in 2025, was placed on the 15-day injured list over the weekend with a strained forearm after leaving his last start early due to discomfort.

Why it matters

Horton was expected to be a key part of the Cubs' rotation this season after emerging as one of the team's top young talents last year. His injury is a significant blow to the club's playoff hopes, as they look to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.

The details

Horton, who went 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA as a rookie in 2025, left his start against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday after feeling discomfort while throwing a 93.8 mph fastball, which was slower than normal. He returned to Chicago on Monday to undergo further evaluation by the team's medical staff, who determined that season-ending surgery was necessary to address the elbow issue.

  • Horton was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Horton left his start against the Guardians on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Cade Horton

A 24-year-old starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who had a breakout rookie season in 2025, going 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“Horton will have season-ending surgery on his right elbow.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs will need to find a replacement for Horton in their starting rotation as they look to remain competitive in the NL Central race without their promising young pitcher.

The takeaway

Horton's injury is a significant setback for the Cubs, who were counting on the 24-year-old to be a key part of their rotation this season. The team will now have to adjust their plans and find a way to overcome this loss as they aim to return to the playoffs.