The Chicago Cubs are making a strategic move as they gear up for their weekend series against the New York Mets, calling up top pitching prospect Cade Horton from Triple-A Iowa. This decision, reported by Tommy Birch, showcases the Cubs’ commitment to bolstering their roster as they seek to maintain their lead in the NL Central.
Horton, just 23 years old, was selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma, and his ascent through the ranks has been closely watched. He stands out as the Cubs’ top pitching prospect and is ranked 46th overall by MLB.com and The Athletic. After a challenging season last year, where he made only nine appearances due to a strained rotator cuff, Horton is looking to capitalize on his fresh start.
This year, the young right-hander has been impressive in Iowa, posting a remarkable 1.24 ERA with 33 strikeouts over 26 innings in six starts. However, he has also faced challenges, with 13 walks raising some concerns. Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer addressed these issues, emphasizing the importance of consistency in Horton’s pitch execution.
“Throwing noncompetitive pitches in the big leagues puts you in bad counts pretty quickly, counts that you can probably pitch out of in Triple-A easier than you can in the big leagues,” Hoyer explained. He reiterated that consistency is key, highlighting the impact of being able to avoid free passes. The difference between a 1-2 count and a 2-2 count can significantly affect a game’s dynamics, showing just how vital Horton’s adjustments will be.
As the Cubs prepare for their match against the Mets, they are working with a rotation that currently ranks fourth in the National League, boasting a solid 3.57 ERA. With standout performances from pitchers like Colin Rea (2.43), Shota Imanaga (2.82), and Matthew Boyd (2.75), the Cubs are in a strong position. However, with Imanaga on the injured list due to a hamstring strain, the call-up of Horton comes at an opportune time.
With Friday’s game against the Mets featuring Jameson Taillon on the mound and Boyd slated to pitch on Sunday, Horton is expected to take the hill on Saturday. This will provide him with a solid five days of rest, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career.
Currently, the Cubs lead the NL Central by three games with a 22-16 record, while the competition remains fierce, with the Reds, Brewers, and Cardinals all sitting at 19-19. Meanwhile, the Pirates are at the bottom of the standings at 12-26, recently making headlines by appointing Don Kelly as their interim manager.
As the Cubs make this exciting addition to their roster, the stakes are high, and fans will be eager to see how Horton performs in his upcoming start.
