4 players the Chicago Cubs should keep and 4 they should trade

4 players the Cubs should keep/trade - Cade Horton (keep)

Cade Horton has all the making of an ace. The number 3 RHP among all pitching prospects and #29 overall on MLB Pipelines' top 100 list, Horton exploded in his first year of professional ball in 2023. Throughout 88.1 innings pitched, Horton recorded a 2.65 ERA with 117 Ks across three levels, including being lights out in the postseason for the Tennessee Smokies, which helped the team secure the Southern League Championship.

Horton, like Crow-Armstrong, is untouchable in trade talks. When inquiring about talent to bring to the north side this winter, it's a non-starter for Jed Hoyer and the front office. Horton will likely begin the season at Double-A Tennessee and propel himself up to Triple-A Iowa before long if he has the same production. A late-season call-up to the Cubs is undoubtedly on the table.