Cubs Pitcher Cade Horton Out Up to 16 Months After Elbow Surgery

The young right-hander will miss significant time as he recovers from the procedure.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:01pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of muted colors, conceptually representing the technical challenges and physical demands of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's throwing motion captures the physical strain and technical complexity of the sport.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs announced that 24-year-old pitcher Cade Horton will be sidelined for 15 to 16 months after undergoing season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow. Manager Craig Counsell provided the timeline for Horton's recovery, noting the young right-hander will miss a significant portion of the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Why it matters

Horton was a highly touted prospect in the Cubs' farm system and was expected to contribute to the major league roster this season. His extended absence due to the elbow surgery is a significant setback for the team as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the NL Central.

The details

Horton underwent the surgery to repair an issue with his pitching elbow. The recovery timeline of 15 to 16 months means he will likely miss the majority of the 2026 season and may not return until midway through the 2027 campaign.

  • Horton underwent season-ending elbow surgery on April 15, 2026.

The players

Cade Horton

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization who was expected to contribute to the major league roster this season before suffering a season-ending elbow injury.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs who provided the timeline for Horton's recovery from elbow surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Cade Horton will miss 15 to 16 months following season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs will need to determine how to fill Horton's spot in the starting rotation for the 2026 season and beyond as he recovers from the surgery.

The takeaway

Horton's extended absence due to the elbow surgery is a significant setback for the Cubs as they look to rebuild their pitching staff and return to contention in the NL Central. The team will need to find creative solutions to replace his production while he recovers over the next 15-16 months.