The Chicago Cubs have one of the better farm systems in the game, as they have seven top-100 prospects, with one, Matt Shaw, debuting this season and has struggled in his first 18 games. Shaw should be back up soon as his demotion should be temporary, as they would like him to work on having a better approach at the plate.
Shaw will join the rest of the Cub’s prospects down at Iowa, where they’re off to a great start to their season and recently scored 20 runs on the St. Paul Saints. The drumming of the Saints wasn’t just led by a standout performance by the offense but saw a great pitching performance from the Cubs’ number two overall prospect, Cade Horton.
Horton could be an option to take over for left-handed Justin Steele after he will miss the rest of this season. Horton could be a viable choice after a great start to the Triple-A season.
Horton continues his run of dominance down on the farm for the Chicago Cubs
Mar 21, 2025; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton throws against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Horton is off to a great start to his season down in Iowa, having a 1.46 ERA in 12.1 innings (three starts). The most impressive part of Horton’s stat sheet is his 18 strikeouts, collecting six more in the win over the Saints.
“With 6 more today, Cade Horton has 18 K’s in 12.1 IP this season”
With 6 more today, Cade Horton has 18 K's in 12.1 IP this season 🔥@IowaCubs | @Cubs pic.twitter.com/ZNRmlFZde7
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 16, 2025
Horton’s big problem has been his command, as he has walked ten batters in three outings. He will need to limit those walks to make the major leagues. He’ll also need to figure out why he struggles in the fourth inning, as he has a 7.71 ERA.
Horton has allowed two earned runs and a home run and has a .364 average against him. For Horton to go deeper into games, not an inning to get away from him, getting through them quickly and cleanly will be key.
An option for the rotation
Mar 8, 2025; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton (70) walks off the field after the Chicago Cubs win a spring training against the Seattle Mariners at Sloan Park. The Cubs beat the Mariners 9-8. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Hortons early success could lead to his promotion as the Cubs need not just another pitcher but a right-handed pitcher.
Horton would’ve debuted last season, but an injury cost him that chance. If Horton can limit his walks, there shouldn’t be anything holding the Cubs back from calling him up and giving him some runway to succeed.
Chicago Cubs top 5 prospects is on a rampage down at Triple-A
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