Cade Horton UCL Surgery: Cubs Lose Promising Starter

Cubs' Cade Horton faces season-ending UCL surgery

Chicago Cubs' young pitcher Cade Horton to undergo season-ending UCL surgery after wrist and forearm discomfort.

Cade Horton, Cubs' rising star, faces long recovery after UCL surgery...

The Chicago Cubs' young star pitcher Cade Horton is facing a tough break. He's set to undergo season-ending UCL surgery after leaving his second start of the season early with discomfort in his wrist and forearm.

Horton, just 24, had a breakout rookie season in 2025, posting an impressive 2.67 ERA and finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His loss is a significant blow to the Cubs, who were hoping for a strong season from their promising young pitcher.

The Cubs will need to adjust their rotation without Horton, who was expected to be a key player this season. Manager Craig Counsell announced that Javier Assad and Colin Rea will step in to fill the gap, with Justin Steele's return from Tommy John surgery also providing some relief.

The team brought up rookie Riley Martin to replace him. Martin's making his MLB debut on April 8th.

Horton struggled this season, lasting just one start. He pitched 6.1 innings in his Opening Weekend debut against the Nationals, allowing two earned runs on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

Cade Horton burst onto the scene last season, making an immediate impact with the Cubs. He racked up an 11-4 record and 2.67 ERA through 22 starts.

The young starter impressed with 97 strikeouts, 95 hits allowed, and 33 walks over 118 innings. He narrowly missed out on NL Rookie of the Year, finishing second to Drake Baldwin (Atlanta Braves).

The Cubs are turning to 28-year-old rookie Riley Martin to fill the void. Martin's got some big shoes to fill, but he's got a chance to shine.

BREAKING: Cade Horton will have season-ending UCL surgery, per Craig Counsell. pic.twitter.com/pMAwKzP5hK

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) April 7, 2026

He's not entirely new to the majors, having pitched three innings in Triple-A with just one run allowed. The Cubs are hoping he can bring some much-needed magic to the mound.

The team's struggling, currently 4-6 and last in the NL Central. They're looking to bounce back in game two against the Tampa Bay Rays tonight.