Do Cubs’ Starters Have the Strength to Reach the Finish Line?

The Chicago Cubs enter spring with a deeper pitching inventory and cautious optimism. Front office moves and health news have created fresh hope for the rotation.

Rotation depth and offseason additions

The Cubs added hard-thrower Edward Cabrera to bolster velocity. They also retain rookie Cade Horton, who could pitch a full season without limits.

Veteran swingman Colin Rea remains available for flexible assignments. Ben Brown and Javier Assad showed meaningful progress last season.

Cade Horton’s spring performance and workload

Horton threw six shutout innings in his final spring start against Milwaukee. He used an effective slider against left-handed hitters.

He needed only 68 pitches, issued no walks, and struck out three batters. Horton had thrown 151 2/3 minor league innings before his major league promotion.

Before last year’s playoffs, Horton had never reached seven innings or topped 94 pitches after early July. He also missed time with a rib cage injury early in the postseason.

Justin Steele and the left-arm return timeline

Left-hander Justin Steele has a rebuilt left arm. The team projects a possible late-May return to the rotation.

Steele’s availability would add a veteran southpaw option. Managerial staff expect him to reinforce depth once healthy.

Matthew Boyd and rotation leadership

Matthew Boyd delivered career bests last season with 14 wins and a 3.21 ERA. He brings veteran stability to the staff.

Boyd said any of the five primary starters, plus Rea and Steele, should be worthy candidates for opening day. His view highlights the club’s belief in collective strength.

Lessons from 2025 postseason

Injuries, fatigue, and inconsistent arms hindered the Cubs from catching the Brewers in 2025. The team scrambled with openers and spot starters in the playoffs.

Horton’s rib cage issue surfaced shortly after his playoff start. That forced Chicago to mix roles during a critical stretch.

Front office perspective on depth

President Jed Hoyer emphasized depth as a priority during roster construction. He noted the importance of having starters in Triple-A who can step into big league roles.

Hoyer said management aimed to build reinforcement options for the regular season grind. He believes the organization has added useful pieces.

Can the Cubs’ starters show the strength to reach the finish line?

Questions remain about durability across a long campaign. The club’s combination of Horton, Cabrera, Steele, Boyd, and improved depth gives reason for optimism.

Outfielder Michael Conforto stressed that many pitchers in camp may play key roles. He argued that contribution from many arms matters more than a single ace.

Reporting from Mesa, Ariz., for Filmogaz.com.