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Cade Horton wasn’t supposed to be the frontrunner this soon, but the Chicago Cubs’ young right-hander is forcing the league to take notice. With a dominant stretch on the mound, Horton has vaulted himself to the top of the National League Rookie of the Year conversation.
Several sports books now give Horton the best odds at winning the National League Rookie of the Year award this year. Horton is now ahead of his teammate Matt Shaw and Brewers rookies like Jacob Misiorowski, Isaac Collins, and Caleb Durbin.
Cade Horton currently has the best odds to win NL Rookie of the Year 👀
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 25, 2025
In nine starts since July 1, Horton has only given up six earned runs, giving him an impressive 1.11 ERA in that stretch. For the full season, the 24-year-old has also collected 77 strikeouts over 93.1 innings pitched so far, with a 2.88 ERA through 18 games this year.
Horton's impressive run was also highlighted by a 28 1/3 scoreless inning streak, which arguably made Horton the team's most dominant pitcher in the second half.
Cade Horton is emerging as the ace this Cubs team needs
After taking Horton in the first round of the first round of the 2022 draft, they were hoping he would eventually turn into a frontline starting pitcher. And that's exactly what we are seeing from him in 2025 despite several obstacles.
Horton has broken into the big leagues and established himself despite a slew of past injuries that have kept him on a pitch count in the second half. Horton has credited this pitch count for his recent success, which he said gives him more confidence to attack the zone and make his pitches count. This attitude coincides with a poise and maturity that the young right-hander has shown off since making his debut back in May.
As long as he can stay healthy, the sky seems to be the limit for Horton, and the Cubs are lucky that he is showing signs of being a dominant pitcher that they have under team control for five more years. The team would be wise to explore an early contract extension with Horton that could pay off for the team in the long run.