Cubs RHP Cade Horton recovering from Tommy John surgery

Field Level Media|published: Fri 17th April, 14:32 2026

Apr 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton (22) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton had Tommy John surgery on Thursday and will be sidelined for 15 to 16 months, the team announced Friday.

His estimated recovery timeline -- with a return in July or August of 2027 -- is longer than usual because it is the second surgery to repair the UCL in his right elbow, having previously undergone the procedure while in college in 2021.

Horton, 24, was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 5, two days after he exited his start against the host Cleveland Guardians following one-plus inning and 17 pitches.

Horton was 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts this season.

A first-round draft pick (seventh overall) by Chicago in 2022, Horton was 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 23 games (22 starts) in 2025 and finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting.

--Field Level Media