Cade Horton’s Rookie Campaign: Promising, Polished—But Still a Bridge to the Deadline?

When the Chicago Cubs urgently needed innings in early May, first-round pick Cade Horton stepped into the breach. Getting the call to the bigs on May 8th, Horton was thrust into a high-pressure role earlier than expected. However, he embraced the challenge with maturity and grit. 

What’s unfolded over the past two months is a rookie campaign that’s not perfect, but perfectly serviceable, stabilizing at times, a shaky rotation while showcasing glimpses of long-term potential. His performances have featured the expected ups and downs of a young arm adjusting to big-league hitters, but they’ve also been filled with moments that hint at a bright future: flashes of composure, strikeout stuff, and a growing confidence that suggests this is just the beginning for Horton.

Strong Minor-League Resume

Horton opened the year in Triple-A Iowa, delivering eye-catching numbers: in six starts, he went 2–1 with a 1.24 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts across 29 innings. That dominance earned his call-up on May 10 and demonstrated why he entered the season ranked as Chicago’s No. 2 prospect and one of the top overall pitching prospects in the league.

Debut & Early Promise

Cade Horton’s MLB debut wasn’t your typical relief outing; it came in bulk innings after opener Brad Keller, and it came against a stacked Mets lineup featuring stars like Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Lindor. 

Despite the tough task, Horton held his own across four innings, striking out five, walking none, and earning the win. He did surrender a three-run homer, but showed impressive poise and pitch efficiency, throwing 49 of his 77 pitches for strikes. It was a debut filled with nerves, flashes of promise, and a reminder that Horton isn’t afraid of the big stage.

Ups and Downs in the Rotation

His last three outings have shown both sides of his development: a shutout 5.2-inning performance against Pittsburgh, a rough 4.2-inning, four-run night versus Seattle, and an extremely tough four-inning, seven-run outing in Houston. That’s the rookie roller coaster: a glimpse of what he can be and a reminder that growth takes time. He is still learning how to manage his pitch count and put batters away efficiently.

The Stuff That Earned a Top Pick

What continues to stand out in Cade Horton’s young career is the quality of his arsenal. This is something that already hints at top-of-the-rotation potential. His mid-90s fastball pairs well with a sharp, biting slider, while his steadily improving changeup has started to emerge as a true difference-maker. 

Scouts and coaches have praised the way Horton uses the changeup not just as a complementary pitch, but as a weapon, missing barrels, disrupting timing, and setting up his more overpowering offerings. When all three pitches are working in sync, he looks every bit like the frontline starter the Cubs envisioned on draft day.

Why Iowa Isn’t a Demotion

Horton has answered every call, providing innings, poise, and performance. However, as the trade deadline nears and the Cubs chase deep-rotation reliability, he’ll likely make way for a veteran arm. That’s not a criticism, it’s strategy. He’s a rookie still fine-tuning command, pitch sequencing, and consistency. A return to Triple-A to build and polish his confidence is part of the plan.

Back in Iowa, he can work through deeper outings, refine his changeup, and take pressure-free reps. Then come September or even next spring, he’ll be better equipped to lock in a permanent role.

Looking Ahead

Once the Cubs land a steady veteran at July’s deadline, Horton will most likely go back to Iowa. However, he will do so with real momentum, a broader pitch mix, big-league experience, and a better understanding of how to succeed at this level.

Cubs fans should appreciate Horton’s contribution. He didn’t just show up; he competed, learned, and helped this team stay afloat. He’s proven he belongs. When the time is right, he’ll be back—not just as a fill-in, but as a piece of the long-term puzzle that the Cubs are trying to complete.

What do you think the Cubs are going to do with Horton and the looming trade deadline? Tweet us at @CubbiesOnTap and let us know what you think!