Cade Horton, the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect and the 46th-ranked overall by MLB Pipeline, is reportedly set to make his Major League debut this weekend against the Mets.
While the Cubs have not officially confirmed the move, multiple sources, including the Des Moines Register, have indicated that Horton will be called up from Triple-A Iowa. This decision comes at a time when the Cubs’ rotation is in flux following a recent injury to left-hander Shota Imanaga, creating a timely opening for Horton.
Horton Shines in Triple-A, Likely to Fill Rotation Gap from Imanaga’s Injury
Horton has been consistently impressive in Triple-A, making a strong case for promotion. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer praised the 23-year-old’s steady development, noting improvements from start to start.
Over his recent outings, Horton has routinely pitched six innings with excellent command and poise. His stats this season include a 1.24 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and just 12 hits allowed in 29 innings, underscoring his dominance against minor league hitters.
Cade Horton (MLB)The opportunity for Horton arises directly from the temporary loss of Shota Imanaga, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with a hamstring strain. Imanaga’s absence disrupts the Cubs’ rotation, particularly with his scheduled start falling on Saturday during their series against the Mets.
While Jameson Taillon is slated to start Friday, the Cubs are still evaluating their options for Saturday’s game—Horton could be the solution, or the team might use a bullpen game instead.
Counsell Weighs Options as Horton Emerges as Likely Saturday Starter Choice
Manager Craig Counsell has kept his plans fluid for the weekend, suggesting flexibility in how they approach Saturday’s game. Counsell has mentioned the possibility of using an opener, leveraging a well-rested bullpen thanks to Thursday’s off-day. Horton last pitched on Sunday for Iowa, making him a perfectly timed candidate to slot into the Saturday role without disrupting his routine or rest cycle.
While Horton’s ascent is exciting for Cubs fans, the team remains cautious given his history of shoulder issues. Despite not having a strict innings limit in place, the Cubs are closely monitoring his workload through advanced data tracking.
Since being drafted seventh overall in 2022, Horton has posted a 2.79 ERA with 190 strikeouts over 151 2/3 innings. His current fastball velocity hovers around 95–96 mph, occasionally hitting 98, which bodes well for his transition to the Major Leagues. His debut could be a pivotal moment in the Cubs’ season—and potentially his career.
