Best of the Cubs: Loss of Cade Horton leaves a big void

The Mully & Haugh Show dissects the devastating news that Cubs pitcher Cade Horton will miss the rest of the season due to UCL damage requiring surgery, a significant blow to the team's rotation and playoff aspirations. Hosts and guest Megan Montemuro, Cubs beat writer for the Chicago Tribune, emphasize that while the loss is impactful—especially in October baseball—there is optimism about the team's depth, particularly with starters Javier Assad and Colin Ray stepping up. The discussion highlights the Cubs' reliance on their strong offense, high hard-hit rates, and clubhouse confidence despite a 4-10 start. With key players like Seiya Suzuki returning and the bullpen in flux, the focus shifts to lineup construction, with Nico Hoerner emerging as a strong leadoff candidate. The hosts debate whether the Cubs can still win the division without Horton, acknowledging they may lack the elite swing-and-miss arm needed for a World Series run. Despite injuries to Matthew Boyd and Horton, the team’s ability to win two of three against the Rays and show resilience offers hope for a turnaround. The episode also touches on broader organizational challenges, including bullpen instability, the need for a front-of-rotation upgrade, and the importance of managing player workloads. The hosts express cautious optimism, noting that the Cubs’ depth and offensive potential could carry them through the regular season, but stress that postseason success will depend on having elite starting pitching. They praise Assad’s command and consistency, Ray’s reliability as a swingman, and the team’s ability to adapt under pressure. With the schedule tightening and key matchups ahead, the conversation ends on a note of cautious hope: the Cubs may not have their ace, but they still have the tools to compete.