Horton will undergo an exam on his right shoulder in mid-November in hopes of gaining clearance to begin a throwing program, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Horton missed the final four months of the 2024 season due to a moderate subscapularis strain in his pitching shoulder. If he's able to begin throwing this month, the 23-year-old should have a relatively normal offseason. Horton got off to a great start at Double-A Tennessee (1.10 ERA) this season but posted a 7.50 ERA in five starts with Triple-A Iowa before getting injured. He is likely to return to Iowa to begin 2025 but, if healthy, has a good shot to enter the Cubs' rotation at some point during the season.
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Cubs' Ben Brown: Will have neck examined
Rotowire
Brown will undergo a scan on his neck in mid-November, with the hope that he will be cleared to throw without restrictions this offseason, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Brown didn't pitch after early June this season due to a benign area of concern in his neck. The Cubs seem optimistic that he will head into spring training healthy, but they won't know for sure until the results of the exam are in. Brown split time between the rotation and bullpen with the Cubs in 2024, holding a 3.58 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 64:19 K:BB over 55.1 innings. If healthy, he would likely compete for a spot in the rotation in 2025.
The Cubs designated Herget for assignment Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Rob Zastryzny, who was claimed off waivers. Herget himself was a waiver claim of the Cubs but never made an appearance for them.
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Cubs' Rob Zastryzny: Claimed by Cubs
Rotowire
The Cubs claimed Zastryzny (elbow) off waivers from the Brewers on Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
It's a return to his original organization for Zastryzny, who was drafted by the Cubs and spent his first three major-league seasons in Chicago. The lefty reliever ended the season on the injured list with elbow tendinitis but looks to be healthy headed into the offseason.
Bellinger exercised his $27.5 million player option for 2025 on Saturday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.
Bellinger was unlikely to receive an offer close to $27.5 million on the open market after posting a .751 OPS alongside 78 RBI across 569 plate appearances in 2024, so it's unsurprising to see him decide to stick around in Chicago. The 29-year-old figures to remain in an everyday role in the Cubs' outfield next season.
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Cubs' Caleb Knight: Outrighted to Triple-A
Rotowire
The Cubs outrighted Knight to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.
Knight was added to the 40-man roster one day after the end of the regular season, but he's now been removed. The catcher hit .182/.250/.323 with four home runs between Double-A Tennessee and Iowa this season.
Cubs' Nico Hoerner: Undergoes flexor tendon surgery
Rotowire
Hoerner underwent surgery Oct. 11 to repair his right flexor tendon, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
It's not clear when Hoerner suffered the injury, nor did the Cubs offer a timetable for his recovery. The second baseman should be ready to roll come Opening Day, although it's possible he'll be eased into things in spring training. Hoerner slashed .273/.335/.373 with seven home runs and 31 stolen bases over 151 games for the Cubs in 2024.
