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Chicago Cubs Make Major Pitching Decision Before Series Against Mets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Toran Flores | Last updated May 8, 2025 4:23 PM ET

Through the first 38 games of their season, the Chicago Cubs have emerged as the team to beat in the NL Central, holding a three-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals.

It's an interesting sight, as every team below the Cubs – except the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates – sit at an identical record of 19-19.

Chicago jumped ahead in the division but has started to plateau, losing three of their last four games heading into a three-game series against the NL East-leading New York Mets.

Injuries have begun to impact the Cubs, specifically in their pitching rotation.

With a hamstring strain that has landed ace pitcher Shota Imanaga on the 15-day injured list, the Cubs have decided to look to call-up one of their top prospects that's been playing in Triple-A Iowa.

Cade Horton is recalled from Triple-A Iowa to Cubs' roster

Chicago will look to find some young talent and give their No. 2 overall prospect and top pitcher on the Cubs' prospect list Cade Horton a chance on the mound in the big leagues, reporter Tommy Birch announced on X.

I can confirm that Cade Horton, the top pitching prospect for the Chicago Cubs organization, is expected to join the team in New York for its upcoming series against the New York Mets.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) May 8, 2025

Horton is a right handed pitcher that was drafted No. 7 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft.

He's a true athlete that played football in college as well as a little bit of the third base position for his Oklahoma Sooners while in college.

Starting in six games so far for the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs in 2025, Horton has posted a 1.29 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP, giving up just 12 hits, four walks and two home runs in 29 innings pitched.

His four-pitch arsenal includes a slider, curveball, change-up and a four-seam fastball that has peaked at 98 miles-an-hour.

He's expected to join the Cubs for their upcoming three-game series in New York against one of MLB's top teams, the Mets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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