Could a rising star be gracing the mound on Opening Day? Spring training for Chicago Cubs' right-hander Cade Horton is a world away from where he was just last year. Previously, his focus was on fine-tuning his pitching mechanics, a crucial step towards a potential call-up later in the season. This year, however, the narrative has shifted dramatically.
Spring training is now a dedicated period for Horton to build his strength and readiness for the upcoming season. He's not just a projected member of the starting rotation; his exceptional performance in the latter half of 2025 has propelled him into serious contention for the coveted Opening Day starter position. Imagine the roar of the crowd as he takes the mound for the very first game!
"It's obviously a really cool opportunity if it was to come," Horton shared after a dominant three scoreless innings in an exhibition game against Team Italy on Tuesday. "But at the end of the day, when I go out there, my job is to help win games. And whether I throw the fifth day of the season or the first day, it’s the same thing: going out there and trying to get outs."
Horton is coming off a phenomenal season that saw him earn runner-up for the NL Rookie of the Year award. He demonstrated remarkable efficiency, managing his pitch counts effectively in late-season outings to achieve an impressive 2.67 ERA across 23 appearances. Unfortunately, a fractured rib kept him sidelined for the postseason, a tough break for both him and the team.
For his sophomore season, a repeat of his 2025 success, but this time without the pitch count limitations, would mark a significant and exciting step forward. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy emphasized this point: "You can always adjust throughout the year on how much you want to push a guy. But definitely not going to baby him. That’s the point, he’s earned the right to go and go compete and be great."
Horton has entered spring training with an aggressive mindset. In his very first live batting practice session, he admitted to being a bit over-amped, touching 98 mph. Now, in his spring training starts, his fastball has settled into a more sustainable and still formidable 96 mph.
"When you’re only throwing 20 [pitches] on a backfield, or a lower pitch count, guys will tend to push themselves a little bit more," Hottovy explained. "And I don’t mind it, because we’re human beings, right? Check that box. ‘Okay, didn’t end the year healthy, I worked hard this offseason, let’s see if everything I worked on is there.’ And then it is, and then you can kind of settle in. But he’s done fantastic."
Carlson on the Mend:
Outfielder Dylan Carlson avoided the need for X-rays after being struck on the right elbow by a pitch on Monday. While he wasn't in the Cubs' lineup on Tuesday against Team Italy, manager Craig Counsell confirmed he wasn't scheduled to play anyway. "I think we’re fine," Counsell stated.
Carlson typically wears a guard on his front elbow while hitting, but the pitch – an 88.8 mph cutter – struck him on the inside of his back elbow in the fourth inning. He exited the game in the bottom half of that inning, having already recorded two hits in as many at-bats.
Carlson, currently a non-roster invitee, is actively competing for a bench spot during camp.
Full Circle Moment:
When Craig Counsell was a special assistant for the Brewers, during the transition between his playing and managing careers, he contributed to evaluating amateur players prior to the MLB draft. The first player he was assigned to evaluate was Michael Conforto, an outfielder from Oregon State University, who is now a veteran of 10 years in camp with the Cubs.
"He was projected to be a first-rounder, and was obviously a very talented kid," Counsell recalled. "I learned that [amateur scouting is] an incredibly difficult job. But Michael was a great player. He stood out as a great player, for sure."
Counsell mentioned that he still keeps the positive report he wrote on Conforto. Conforto was ultimately selected 10th overall by the Mets in the 2014 draft. Two picks later, the Brewers selected left-handed pitcher Kodi Medeiros.
But here's where it gets interesting: With Horton's impressive trajectory and the team's clear intention to let him compete, is it truly beneficial for a young pitcher to shoulder the immense pressure of an Opening Day start so early in his career? Or is the organization wisely pushing him to reach his full potential? What are your thoughts on fast-tracking young talent?
