Chicago, Illinois — Just days before the Wild Card round of the Playoffs, the Chicago Cubs received a devastating blow: Rookie pitcher Cade Horton is officially out of the lineup due to his ribs, the team and ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers confirmed. It’s a huge blow for the Cubs, who had high hopes for Horton heading into this year’s postseason.
Horton, 22, was considered one of the Cubs’ best prospects with his speed and mental toughness. His rib injury knocked him out of the Wild Card round, and he could return as early as Game 5 of the Division Series (DS) — if the Cubs make it that far.
Manager Craig Counsell admitted this was a difficult loss:
“We’ve relied on Horton as a strategic asset in the Wild Card round. Losing him right now really hurts, but the team has to move on.”
The Cubs’ 2025 season has been full of variations. With the return of Kyle Tucker and his recent explosive form, the team is gradually finding its strength again. However, losing Horton means the Cubs will have to quickly rebuild their pitching structure.
According to inside sources, Jameson Taillon is likely to take on a heavier role, while the bullpen will have to work at full capacity to fill the void.
An ESPN commentator said:
“Horton is more than just a pitcher. He’s also a morale booster for the Cubs. Losing Horton in the Wild Card round is like taking away a key piece of armor.”
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On social media, the news spread at a rapid pace. Many Cubs fans expressed regret:
“Without Horton, our chances of making the Wild Card are cut in half.”
“Let’s get through it for Cade. This is the time for the team to fight for the guys who can’t play.”
In the locker room, there’s no heavy lifting for the boss. However, pillars like Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson insist the team will turn the pain into motivation.
Suzuki said:
“We’ll fight for Horton. This is family. If you can’t throw it away, we’ll make up the score.”
The Wild Card opener is looming, and the Cubs are forced to come up with a solution quickly. With the recent availability of the offense, England still has hope for a surprise. However, the lack of a reliable arm in the rotation could put the Cubs at a huge disadvantage against a direct opponent.
Horton could return for Game 5 of the Division Series — but to get to the pole position, the Cubs must advance from the Wild Card round and at least make it to the DS finals. It’s a tough test, but it’s also an opportunity to fully demonstrate their mettle.
Horton’s injury is a dangerous reminder that the postseason is not just a technical battle, but a fierce battle of strength. The Cubs now have to fight with a sense of nothingness.
If they lose in the Wild Card, the loss will forever be remembered as “the Horton wound.” But if the Cubs overcome adversity, the story of the 2025 season could become an epic tale of a restless team fighting for a fallen teammate.
The Cubs lost Cade Horton — but hope has not been lost. The entire city of Chicago is waiting to see: has this pain become the impetus for a miracle, or is it the start of another sad autumn?
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