Cade Horton: A Rising Star in the Cubs’ Rotation
Cade Horton has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in Major League Baseball, turning heads since his initial call-up to the Chicago Cubs. The Oklahoma native first made waves as a high school athlete when he was named the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year in 2020 after an impressive .375 batting average. His skills earned him a place at the University of Oklahoma, but his journey took a challenging turn when he tore his ulnar collateral ligament, necessitating Tommy John surgery.
From Recovery to Resurgence
After recovering from surgery, Horton returned to the field with a renewed focus. He initially played third base and made sporadic relief appearances on the mound, but his talent on the hill soon became undeniable. He transitioned to the Sooners’ starting rotation, where he showcased his abilities and played a pivotal role in leading Oklahoma to the Men’s College World Series. In a standout performance during the series, he pitched 7.1 innings, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable pitcher.
Draft Day and Major League Debut
Horton’s stellar college career culminated in his selection as the seventh overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs. After navigating through the minor leagues, he received his much-anticipated call-up to the big leagues, making his MLB debut on May 10. Since that moment, Horton has not just lived up to expectations but has exceeded them, quickly becoming one of the most dominant pitchers in the league.
Dominance on the Mound
Cade Horton’s rookie season has been nothing short of remarkable. He has made 20 starts for the Cubs, crafting a stellar 10-4 record coupled with an impressive 2.70 ERA over 110 innings pitched. His performances have been a key factor in the Cubs’ success this season, placing him firmly in the conversation for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
The Rookie of the Year Race
Analysts are already predicting Horton as a strong contender for this year’s Rookie of the Year honors. ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle noted, “Horton has allowed less than a run every other start since the All-Star break. If he maintains anything close to that pace, he’ll win. Otherwise, give it to a Brewer.” The competition is fierce, with other notable names like Isaac Collins and Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers also in the mix.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Cade Horton to see if he can continue his dominating performances and secure a coveted spot in the annals of MLB history.
