Cubs' Cade Horton continues to show why he deserves NL ROTY

Unlike the AL Rookie of the Year race, which has been led by one of two young Athletics stars for the majority of the season, the NL ROTY battle hasn't seen a true front-runner. But one up-and-coming pitcher is beginning to put his stamp on what is still a hotly contested race.

Chicago Cubs rookie Cade Horton wasn't setting the league on fire to start the season. He proved to be an effective member of Chicago's rotation, but his early-season strikeout numbers and ERA were nothing to call home about.

Horton's ERA ballooned to 4.80 following a disastrous seven-run outing against the Houston Astros on June 27. The right-hander's July was more successful, but a six-hit, four-run performance against the Minnesota Twins didn't help his standing in a tight ROTY race.

The NL ROTY battle has seen a rotating cast of favorites in recent months, with Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin and Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Isaac Collins both leading the charge at times. 

Baldwin has been a welcome power addition to a Braves lineup that is already filled with sluggers. The 24-year-old has 14 home runs and 60 RBIs to his name while slashing .276/.346/.451. 

Collins, after struggling in 19 plate appearances over 11 contests in 2024, has broken out in his first full season in the bigs. He's knocked in 46 RBIs while hitting .271/.370/.420. Collins has also stolen 15 bases as an all-around talent for the contending Brewers.

It's hard to compare three players who play such different positions. However, despite his status as a long shot for most of the season, Horton has suddenly asserted himself as the favorite for the award.

Horton can attribute his rising odds to a torrid month of August. In six appearances, he's allowed just four earned runs, with two of them coming Friday night courtesy of a home run in hitter-friendly Coors Field. The 2022 first-round pick has also been mowing down batters at an increased rate, adding 32 Ks to his season tally this month alone.

Now, Horton finds himself with an ERA that is safely below three, putting himself in the upper echelon of major league pitchers. 

It remains a tight three-man race between Baldwin, Collins and Horton for NL ROTY honors. However, if the Cubs' rising young arm can hold his current numbers steady, he should be the unquestioned winner of this race.