Cubs' Cade Horton Out for 2026 with Elbow Surgery

Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after an MRI revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, requiring reconstructive surgery, manager Craig Counsell announced Tuesday before the team's game against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Horton, a 24-year-old right-hander and former first-round draft pick, exited his start last Friday against the Cleveland Guardians after just 1 1/3 innings and 17 pitches, citing forearm discomfort. He retired the side in order in the first inning before walking a batter to open the second and leaving with the team's head athletic trainer. The Guardians defeated the Cubs 4-1 in that contest. Horton had lowered his ERA to 2.45 with two runs allowed over 7 1/3 innings in his two appearances this season, including a strong outing against the Washington Nationals on March 28.

The injury marks Horton's second major elbow procedure; he underwent Tommy John surgery as a college freshman at the University of Oklahoma in 2021. Selected seventh overall by Chicago in the 2022 draft, Horton broke out in 2025 with an 11-4 record, a 2.67 ERA and 118 innings over 23 appearances, finishing...