“The news to this point is not good,” ESPN insider Jesse Rogers said on ESPN Radio Chicago. “The MRI via multiple sources, not good, not clean, and so he is going to see Dr. Keith Meister today. That’s the Tommy John guy, that’s the guy that Justin Steele saw.“

Horton was placed on the 15-day injured list after being pulled from his start, and while no final decision has been made, the combination of an unclear MRI and a consultation with a specialist has raised significant concern about what could come next for the Cubs’ rotation.

Elsewhere, Cubs manager Craig Counsell mapped out Seiya Suzuki’s return via Double-A rehab stint, signaling the Cubs’ broader effort to manage health across the roster

MRI results raise concern about possible long-term absence

The involvement of Keith Meister, a specialist known for performing major elbow procedures, has only added to the uncertainty. While further evaluation could still rule out the most serious outcome, the current direction has prompted speculation about a potentially extended absence.

Rogers emphasized that no official diagnosis has been confirmed, but the situation mirrors past injury timelines that led to significant setbacks for pitchers. For Chicago, even the possibility of losing Horton for a long stretch would represent a major blow early in the season.

Rotation depth under pressure as uncertainty grows

The Cubs already entered the season with concerns about pitching depth, and Horton’s situation only adds to that pressure. The team had made offseason moves to strengthen the staff, but injuries are once again testing that depth.

If Horton is sidelined for a significant period, Chicago may be forced to rely heavily on its remaining arms while exploring internal or external options. For now, the organization awaits clarity, but the tone surrounding this update suggests a critical moment is approaching.

Suzuki received a green light in his recovery this week and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Tennessee on Friday. According to Taylor McGregor, Counsell indicated that the Japanese standout could rejoin the big-league club in as little as three to seven days.

The return of a foundational pillar like Suzuki provides a much-needed boost to a Cubs offense that has struggled to find its rhythm. While top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong has flashed potential after being extended by the Cubs, getting Suzuki’s veteran bat back into the heart of the order is a top priority for a team looking to climb above .500.

Tracking Suzuki’s injury

Suzuki’s stint on the shelf dates back to March, when he suffered a right knee PCL sprain while representing Team Japan in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela.

The Cubs’ medical staff opted for a cautious approach, placing him on the 10-day Injured List. While the sprain wasn’t considered severe, the team prioritized rest and localized strengthening to ensure the outfielder would be at 100% for the long haul of the 162-game season.

Bridging the gap

In Suzuki’s absence, Michael Conforto has been tasked with anchoring the vacancy in the outfield. While Conforto hasn’t quite found his power stroke early on, his plate discipline has remained a bright spot; he currently sports an on-base percentage (OBP) hovering around .330.

Here is a look at how Comforto has fared through the first five games of the season:

According to Bob Nightengale on X, “Anyone accusing the Chicago Cubs for ruining baseball? They have easily spent more money than any team in MLB this winter.” While the quote reflects chatter in the media, it underscores the scale of the Cubs’ commitment to their core roster.

The moves highlight Chicago’s strategy of locking in homegrown talent. Rather than importing high-priced free agents, the Cubs are doubling down on players developed within their system, creating a long-term foundation while entering the league’s high-spending conversation.

Cubs’ strategy and implications

Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers were once criticized for big spending sprees. Now, with Chicago leading MLB in offseason spending, the Cubs face similar attention, but their focus is on locking in young talent like Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner to maintain roster continuity.

By prioritizing homegrown players over free-agent signings, the Cubs aim for long-term competitiveness while managing payroll growth. Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner are central to this plan, providing stability and star potential for seasons to come.

What this means for MLB

Chicago’s contracts highlight the team’s serious approach to contending. Unlike teams relying heavily on free agents, the Cubs show a model of investing in talent developed internally.

With Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner secured, Chicago blends youth and financial flexibility, setting an example other teams may consider as the 2026 season unfolds.

• Largest recent Cubs commitments:
  • Alex Bregman: $175M
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong: $100M+
  • Seiya Suzuki: $85M
  • Jameson Taillon: $68M
  • Ian Happ: $61M
  • Nico Hoerner: $35M

Nico Hoerner, who was the subject of heavy trade interest from the New York Yankees earlier this spring, remains a vital part of the core, though Crow-Armstrong’s massive payday officially shifts the spotlight to the outfield.

The “bet on himself” payoff

This life-changing contract comes just one year after Crow-Armstrong famously “bet on himself.” Last spring, the center fielder reportedly turned down a $66 million offer from the club, opting to let his play on the field dictate his value.

A rare power-speed-defense profile

The Cubs’ urgency to finalize the deal stems from Crow-Armstrong’s meteoric rise in 2025. He didn’t just meet expectations; he joined the rarest of company.

• Crow-Armstrong became the first Cub since Sammy Sosa to record a 30-home run, 30-steal season, finishing with 31 HRs and 35 SBs.
• He led the Major Leagues with 24 Outs Above Average (OAA), according to Statcast.
• Crow-Armstrong secured his first career Gold Glove last season, establishing a “defensive floor” that ensures he remains an elite asset even during offensive slumps.

Reported contract details

The duration of his contract is reported to be a 6-to-9 year deal, potentially keeping him in Chicago through 2034. The AAV is estimated between $15M – $20M, providing the Cubs with significant surplus value if he maintains his All-Star trajectory.

The deal, reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, comes after the center fielder delivered a breakout season that established him among the league’s elite young talents. “Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Chicago Cubs are finalizing a long-term contract extension… Crow-Armstrong, coming off a 30-30 season and a Gold Glove, will get a big payday as the Cubs lock up a franchise-caliber talent,” Passan wrote.

Crow-Armstrong’s 2025 season made the decision clear. He recorded 31 home runs and 35 stolen bases while leading the majors in outs above average, finishing with 6.0 WAR. Despite a quieter second half, the Cubs are betting on his overall impact and long-term upside.

Cubs secure their new franchise leader

By locking in Crow-Armstrong, Chicago is investing in a player who impacts the game in multiple ways. His elite defense in center field, combined with speed and developing power, gives the Cubs a rare all-around talent to anchor their roster.

The extension also reflects confidence in his continued growth, particularly in refining plate discipline. Even with a lower on-base percentage last season, his production and defensive value made him one of the most valuable players in the league.

From rising star to long-term pillar

Crow-Armstrong’s journey adds context to the deal. Acquired from the New York Mets in 2021, he quickly developed into one of baseball’s top prospects before breaking out at the major league level.

Now, as the Cubs look to build on a 92-win season, securing Crow-Armstrong ensures stability and direction. The franchise is not only rewarding past performance but committing to a player expected to lead its next competitive era.

“Seiya Suzuki, who’s dealing with a right knee injury, will not be ready for Opening Day, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. The club has not yet decided whether Suzuki will start the season on the injured list, but it appears to be trending in that direction,” wrote Patrick Mooney on X (@pj_mooney).

Now Counsell will need to find a way to replace Suzuki on the roster if he does begin the season on the injured list. On March 17, the manager had already revealed that the Japanese star is dealing with a minor PCL strain, which suggests the recovery process may not be too long.

Are the Cubs in trouble without Suzuki?

Not really. Suzuki primarily serves as a designated hitter. Last MLB season he appeared in 97 games in that role, which means the Cubs can turn to other options to fill the spot. One of those is Moises Ballesteros, who was recently announced as available for Opening Day.

According to the Cubs’ depth chart, Michael Conforto is another option following Suzuki’s injury. As a veteran, he provides a reliable presence and can step in as DH when needed.

Two more options for the 2026 season are Matt Shaw and Alex Bregman. Both players are listed as potential fits for that role on the club’s depth chart, as noted by ESPN. That gives Counsell several paths to cover the position early in the season.

“Kervin’s gotten my attention,” manager Aaron Boone said, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, highlighting the right-hander’s impact during spring training.

Castro, 27, last appeared in the majors in 2022 with the Cubs and the San Francisco Giants, but spent last season in Triple-A within the Yankees organization. His 1.53 ERA in 35 appearances carried into spring, where he has posted a 0.96 ERA with six strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings.

Castro building strong case for bullpen role

With openings still available, Castro has emerged as one of the most consistent arms in camp. His recent performance has put him in direct competition with Jake Bird, Brent Headrick, and Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest.

The Yankees are seeking reliable depth behind primary options, and Castro’s ability to limit runs has made him a compelling option as roster decisions approach.

Yankees bullpen outlook remains key question

Following offseason changes, New York will rely on David Bednar and Camilo Doval to anchor the bullpen, but overall depth remains uncertain heading into the season.

While the roster remains strong in other areas, the bullpen could ultimately determine the team’s ceiling, increasing the importance of internal options like Castro stepping up.

The decision came as part of a broader round of roster adjustments. Chicago optioned three players to Triple-A Iowa and reassigned four others to minor-league camp, a routine but significant step as the club prepares for the start of the regular season.

According to the official team social media announcement on “X, Dean was among the players optioned. The 29-year-old outfielder was part of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ championship run just four months ago, serving primarily as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch-runner during the postseason.

Why did the Cubs send Dean to Triple-A?

The decision largely came down to performance and roster competition. Justin Dean went 4-for-27 with a .480 OPS in spring training, numbers that made it difficult for the Chicago Cubs to justify a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Dean’s path to Chicago has also been unusual. The outfielder joined the Cubs in mid-January after being waived by the Dodgers, who had used him primarily as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner during their postseason run. Even with the demotion, Dean’s speed and defensive versatility could still make him a depth option for the Cubs later in the season.

During the offseason, Bregman was reportedly on the verge of signing elsewhere before settling on Chicago. According to Hoyer, the Red Sox and the Cubs were the only serious contenders in the race for Bregman’s signature.

“I had a good feeling it would come down to us or the Red Sox,” Hoyer explained to the New York Post‘s Jon Heyman. “Even going back to the start of the offseason, we had maintained good communication with him. He was aware of our interest. We immediately rekindled that interest at the start of the offseason, but I knew he had a positive experience in Boston.”

Hoyer continued, “They’re a talented young team, and he fit in well with their young players. For that reason, I knew it would be challenging to convince him not to choose the Red Sox.”

Hoyer’s comments on Bregman ahead of the next season

Bregman is one of the top players that MLB fans eagerly anticipate watching this upcoming season. Hoyer shared his thoughts on Bregman and the expectations for his first year with the Cubs.

“He’s an exceptional player. He plays great defense, makes solid contact, has power, and makes smart decisions. Beyond that, I believe he brings a level of leadership to a team that’s built to win. That’s incredibly important. He’s someone who wants to elevate his teammates, who wants to lead. There aren’t many players like that who embrace that responsibility,“ Hoyer added.

Bregman’s thoughts on joining the Cubs

With palpable excitement, Bregman is approaching the spring training games with the Cubs. He recently spoke about his decision to join the Cubs and why he chose them over the Red Sox.

With the landscape set and the way the Cubs secured Bregman, there’s confidence that this year, the team can achieve their primary goal: securing a spot in the World Series. The current roster has the full confidence of both the front office and coaching staff.

While Okamoto and Murakami prepare to make their marks in Toronto and Chicago, Imanaga will continue his tenure with the Cubs. Reflecting on the offseason performances of his fellow countrymen showcased by MLB, Imanaga offered a light-hearted remark about their prowess.

“In Japan, we have plenty of superstars. Players like Murakami and Okamoto have hit their fair share of home runs off me. In fact, I joked that some of the home runs they hit off me should be part of their contracts [laughs],“ Imanaga shared on the sports talk show Foul Territory.

Okamoto and Murakami, along with other Japanese talents like Tatsuya Imai and Kona Takahashi, sought to join MLB through the posting system last offseason, drawing significant interest from multiple teams in the trade market.

Home run highlights: Okamoto and Murakami

With Imanaga’s statement underscoring the high expectations placed on these players, fans eagerly await to see how Murakami and Okamoto’s impressive home run records in Japan will translate to MLB. The upcoming season promises ample opportunities for these sluggers to showcase their batting skills on the international stage.

Their career home run statistics are as follows:

• Total NPB HRs: 246 (Murakami), 248 (Okamoto)
• Single-Season High: 56 (2022 – Murakami), 41 (2023 – Okamoto)
• HR per 162 Games: ~44 (Murakami), ~32 (Okamoto)
• Batting Side: Left (Murakami), Right (Okamoto)
• MLB Home Run Projection: 35–40 (Murakami), 25–30 (Okamoto)

As the baseball world gears up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where both players will represent their nation, and with the regular MLB season approaching, there is no shortage of excitement surrounding what these talented hitters can achieve on American soil.

Bregman’s decision reflects more than just money or team history. The Cubs’ recent playoff appearance and readiness to contend caught his attention, making Chicago an appealing fit for both him and his family.

During a recent MLB Network interview, Bregman explained his choice: “I think first and foremost, they valued what we valued, me and my family. I think it’s a great place that I have a chance to win…“

He also added, “These guys know what it takes to win. I feel like we have a good opportunity to win a lot of baseball games, hopefully play some meaningful baseball in October.”

What made the Cubs the right fit over Boston and other teams?

Bregman’s leadership was also key, and after being praised for guiding teammates in Boston, he brings that experience to a Cubs team eager to win its first World Series since 2016. His presence could be vital in both the clubhouse and on the field.

All eyes will be on how Bregman fits with the Cubs and whether he can help the team return to playoff contention. The upcoming season will show if this high-profile signing translates into October success.