Cubs expect injured top pitching prospect to be all systems go for 2025

Expectations couldn't be higher for Cade Horton coming into the 2024 season. After all, opposing hitters looked totally overmatched against the former Oklahoma standout and first-round pick in 2023, when he worked to a 2.65 ERA in 21 starts across A, High-A and Double-A.

He seemed to pick up right where he left off this spring, dominating four starts with Double-A Tennessee before getting bumped up to Triple-A Iowa. That's where things started to go sideways.

According to The Athletic (subscription required), scouts took note of Horton's diminished velocity and, after just five starts with Iowa, he was placed on the IL with a shoulder injury. But the good news is the Chicago Cubs expect him to be fully healthy for camp in the spring and hope he can get back on track in Cactus League action.

The team saw mechanical issues arise with Horton before the injury, which could explain his diminished effectiveness on the mound. This winter will be all about ironing those out in hopes he can hit the ground running and, hopefully, impact the MLB team at some point next season.

Chicago is reportedly poised to pursue top-tier starting pitching in the offseason, looking to add a proven arm to slot in alongside Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. That could also reduce the pressure on guys like Horton, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks, who could slot into a lower-leverage role in the bullpen as opposed to being counted on to provide quality starts every five days.

As we saw this year, pitching depth is everything, and Horton could provide that as soon as 2025. His ceiling is still a #2 or #3 starter, and although this year was a speed bump for the righty, it seems there's cause for optimism as we turn the page on a disappointing 2024 campaign for both Horton and the Chicago Cubs.