With the Chicago Cubs back in full swing, Cade Horton was picked as the breakout player of the year. Coming off a strong second half of last seasons expectations were set high. Adding Edward Cabrera was another boost to the starting rotation. Finally, the pitching staff looked like it could be as good as advertised.

Cabrera, in 11.2 innings so far this year, has been lights out according to ESPN, posting a league-leading 0.00 ERA, according to ESPN. After a few rough games, the starting rotation was beginning to pull its weight.

But all good things must come to an end.

On April 3, 2026, Horton threw a pitch in the second inning and immediately looked toward the dugout in distress. Trainers and manager Craig Counsell came out to check on him, and Horton signaled that he was feeling pain in his forearm. He chose to leave the game as a precaution and was replaced by Colin Rea.

“Colin’s going to be asked to pitch more innings out of the bullpen, and then somebody’s going to take Colin’s bullpen innings,” Counsell said.

When Horton threw the pitch, it registered at 93.3 mph—a noticeable drop from his average fastball of around 96 mph. A decrease in velocity is often a warning sign for pitchers. The look on Horton’s face as he exited the field made the situation feel even more concerning.

“It sucks that he’s on the injury list because he was a great pitcher for the Cubs,” sophomore and Cubs fan Aidan Folan said. “The Cubs need him because they’re not doing so hot right now.”

Horton later flew to Texas to visit Dr. Keith Meister and underwent an MRI. He will need surgery to repair damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow—devastating news for any pitcher.

He finishes the season with a 1-0 record, a 2.45 ERA and four strikeouts. Horton was shaping up to be a key part of the Cubs’ rotation, but now fans will have to wait until next year to see what he can do. (All stats are from ESPN.)

“I was looking forward to seeing Cade Horton be a highly dependable starter in the Cubs rotation,” Cubs season ticket holder Don Zabelin said. “I thought Horton had a chance of being the Cubs’ most dependable starting pitcher this year.”