Cade Horton. Cody Scanlan/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cubs top pitching prospect Cade Horton to debut Saturday

By Aaron Somers | Last updated May 8, 2025 5:21 PM ET

Since the start of the season, Chicago Cubs fans have been wondering two things: When will the team acquire another pitcher and when will Cade Horton make his debut?

The two questions are about to be answered simultaneously, as multiple reports, including Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register, suggest the team plans to call up Horton in time for this weekend's series in New York. Horton would likely make his debut on Saturday against the New York Mets.

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's arrival is coming earlier than anticipated. Injuries to Justin Steele (out for the rest of the season) and Shota Imanaga (likely out for a month) have created an opportunity. The Cubs were already rumored to be seeking an additional arm for the rotation, but will turn, at least for now, to the 23-year-old right-hander.

Chicago's first-round pick in the 2022 Draft (seventh overall) has shown a great deal of promise in the minor leagues, striking out 190 batters with a collective 2.79 ERA over 151.2 IP since turning pro. Shoulder soreness last season limited him to just nine starts and 34.1 IP, but there has been no indication so far in 2025 that he's feeling any lingering effects of the injury.

Horton ranks second on MLB Pipeline's top prospects list, behind only third baseman Matt Shaw.

Expectations for Horton have been high ever since he joined the Cubs organization, with some scouts suggesting he could develop "into the Cubs' next ace if he can stay healthy."

Both the Cubs and Mets lead their respective divisions heading into their weekend so this won't exactly be an easy assignment for Horton to debut. His performance at Triple-A this season suggests he's ready for it.

The Cubs are certainly hoping this is the first glimpse of their future on the mound.

Aaron Somers

Aaron Somers has more than a decade of experience writing about sports and has been published in numerous outlets, but baseball is and has always been his biggest passion. You can follow him on BlueSky, @AaronJSomers.

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