The Chicago Cubs have experienced some unfortunate developments regarding their prospect pool, with several key players facing injuries. Cade Horton, who was recovering from a subscapular strain, has experienced a setback, prompting him to be largely sidelined for the remainder of the season. The cause of this setback was revealed to be recurring pain in the same area, leading to the decision to shut him down.

Hawkins, the Cubs' General Manager, mentioned the possibility of Horton participating in the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost innings. However, based on Hawkins' comments, it appears that this may not be a likely scenario. The focus seems to be on managing Horton's recovery effectively, considering factors such as ramping up, ramping down, and preparing him for spring training. The decision to prioritize full recovery over an immediate return to action suggests that Horton's return to active play will be carefully planned.

In addition to Horton, Brennen Davis is also dealing with a back fracture, which may prevent him from returning to action this season. Hawkins acknowledged the challenges Davis has faced, including periods of high performance when he was able to play, but also noted that his absence from the field has made it difficult to factor him into future plans. Given Davis' recent injury history, there is a strong possibility that he may be removed from the 40-man roster during the offseason, with the Cubs potentially offering him a new minor league deal to assess his progress in 2025.

Another notable player, Alexander Canario, is recovering from a hamstring injury. Unlike Davis, Canario's position on the 40-man roster does not seem to be at risk this offseason. However, with limited opportunities at Iowa, the Cubs may need to consider trading him to another organization where he could have a better chance to showcase his abilities. Canario's defensive skills are highly regarded, making him valuable depth for the Cubs. However, they may need to weigh the potential benefits of trading him against their own needs.

Luis Vazquez, another 40-man player at Triple-A Iowa, recently returned from an undisclosed injury that kept him sidelined for over a month. Vazquez's defensive prowess around the infield makes him an asset to the Cubs, and he is unlikely to lose his 40-man roster spot this offseason. However, his offensive production at Triple-A this year has been modest, which may be a point of consideration moving forward.

Matt Mervis, another 40-man outfielder at Iowa, has been out for a month due to a hand injury. Although there have been reports of him rehabilitating in Arizona, there is hope that he may return to Iowa before the end of the season. Similar to Canario, Mervis' situation will depend on the availability of playing time in 2025. If there is no clear path to regular playing time, the Cubs may explore trading him to an organization where he can get an opportunity to shine. Mervis' offensive performance at Iowa this year has been average, which could also influence the Cubs' decision-making process.

The Cubs are closely monitoring these injuries, striving to balance player recovery with their long-term plans. The upcoming offseason will be crucial as they assess their roster and make decisions regarding their injured prospects.