The **Chicago Cubs** have the pieces to field a strong pitching staff this season if their arms can deliver on their potential. That’s true for plenty of teams around baseball, but Chicago really does have the talent. Now it’s about staying healthy and putting everything together.
**Cade Horton** sits at the top of that group.
Horton’s had his ups and downs throughout his MLB career, but he’s thrown at an elite level for the most part. In 2025, he posted a **2.67 ERA** across 23 appearances. He opened 2026 by going 6.1 innings against Washington, allowing just two earned runs while striking out four.
Despite the solid outing, fans wanted to see him work deeper into games. When asked if that’s realistic moving forward, **Craig Counsell** sounds optimistic about Horton’s workload.
“I expect it to be very normal as we get into the season. I expect him to be fully stretched out, we’re gonna ease into it but it’s fully normal…he’s going deep into games.”
The manager’s comments come via Sports Illustrated.
Cubs fans obviously want to see Horton stretched out sooner rather than later, and you can understand the eagerness. But the smarter play is making sure he stays healthy throughout the season. Taking a measured approach early could pay dividends later when games really matter.
What makes this timeline interesting is how it aligns with Chicago’s broader pitching development. They’re not just managing one arm – they’re building a rotation that can sustain success over 162 games and beyond.
