What's Happening?
Cade Horton, a promising pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is being considered a potential contender for the 2026 National League Cy Young Award. After a strong finish in the 2025 season, where he secured a second-place finish in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, Horton is looking to build on his success. His performance in the latter half of the 2025 season, marked by a 1.03 ERA across 12 starts post-All-Star break, has set high expectations for his sophomore year. To enhance his chances for the Cy Young, Horton is focusing on improving his four-seam fastball's whiff rate, inducing more ground balls, and refining his secondary pitches, including his changeup, sweeper, and curveball. These adjustments aim to increase his strikeout rate and reduce
the number of home runs allowed, particularly on his sweeper.
Why It's Important?
Horton's potential rise to Cy Young contention is significant for the Cubs and the broader MLB landscape. His development could bolster the Cubs' pitching rotation, providing them with a formidable asset in their quest for success in the National League. For Horton, achieving Cy Young contention would mark a significant personal milestone, enhancing his career prospects and market value. Additionally, his success could inspire other young pitchers in the league to focus on refining their skills and adapting their strategies to compete at higher levels. The improvements Horton is working on, such as increasing his strikeout rate and reducing home runs, are critical for any pitcher aiming to excel in the MLB, highlighting the importance of continuous development and adaptation in professional sports.
What's Next?
As Horton prepares for the 2026 season, his focus will be on implementing the changes to his pitching strategy during spring training and early-season games. The Cubs' coaching staff will likely play a crucial role in supporting his development, providing guidance and feedback on his progress. If Horton successfully enhances his fastball and secondary pitches, he could emerge as a leading figure in the Cubs' rotation, potentially influencing the team's strategy and performance throughout the season. Observers and analysts will be keenly watching his performance, particularly in matchups against other top pitchers in the league, to assess his Cy Young candidacy.
