Cubs GM Delivers Concerning Update on Cade Horton Injury

Chicago Cubs' top pitching prospect faces potential long-term setback with forearm issue.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting that breaks down a baseball pitcher's throwing motion into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, slate, and olive, conceptually representing the uncertainty and fragility surrounding a young pitcher's injury.A fractured, cubist depiction of a pitcher's throwing motion captures the fragility and uncertainty surrounding the Cubs' top prospect Cade Horton and his concerning forearm injury.Chicago Today

Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins provided an update on young pitcher Cade Horton, who was placed on the injured list with right forearm discomfort after being removed from a start over the weekend. Hawkins did not sound optimistic about Horton's condition, hinting that the team is preparing for a potentially serious injury that could sideline the 24-year-old for an extended period.

Why it matters

Horton was the Cubs' best pitcher last season and a key part of their plans to compete for a championship in 2026. His potential long-term absence would be a devastating blow to the team's rotation and postseason aspirations.

The details

After undergoing testing, Hawkins said the imaging results on Horton's forearm were "tough to see" and that the team is "wishing the best for him." While Hawkins did not provide a definitive update, his comments suggest the Cubs are bracing for the possibility of Horton needing Tommy John surgery, which would be the second operation of his young career and could significantly impact his long-term outlook.

  • Horton was removed from his start on Friday, April 4, 2026 and placed on the injured list.
  • Hawkins provided the concerning update on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Cade Horton

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher who was the Cubs' best pitcher in 2025 and a key part of their plans for 2026.

Carter Hawkins

The general manager of the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“It's tough to see. We're wishing the best for him, but again, not how we wanted to start the season by any means...we'll try to figure out if there's anything that led to this moment for him that we can try to improve upon in the future, but long story short we're working our tails off to try to prevent these types of things for all of our guys.”

— Carter Hawkins, Chicago Cubs General Manager

What’s next

The Cubs are expected to provide a more definitive update on Horton's condition in the coming days, which will determine the severity of the injury and the timeline for his potential return.

The takeaway

Horton's injury is a major setback for the Cubs, who were counting on the young right-hander to anchor their rotation in 2026. The team's championship aspirations could be in jeopardy if Horton faces a lengthy absence or requires a second Tommy John surgery, underscoring the fragility of pitching prospects and the importance of depth in MLB.