Breaking: Cubs Promoting Top Prospect Cade Horton

It’s happening. Sources have confirmed with CI that the Cubs are promoting top prospect Cade Horton, as Tommy Birch reported Thursday afternoon.

Horton has logged 29.0 innings with the Iowa Cubs, posting a 1.24 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP.

The right-hander is ranked as the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect and 46th overall by MLB Pipeline. Shōta Imanaga’s injury paved a clear path for Horton’s promotion, although how long he’ll stay in the big leagues is yet to be seen.

Cubs top pitching prospect Cade Horton throws to hitters for the first time in nine months - Chicago Sun-Times

More to come once we find out exactly how the Cubs plan to deploy Horton and who will be removed from the active and 40-man rosters to accommodate him.

Cade Horton, the Chicago Cubs’ top pitching prospect, made an impressive MLB debut on May 10, 2025, against the New York Mets. Called up to fill in for the injured Shōta Imanaga, Horton entered the game in the second inning and pitched four innings, allowing three runs on four hits, striking out five, and issuing no walks. Despite giving up a three-run homer to Brett Baty, Horton showcased his 95-plus mph fastball and wipeout slider, earning the win in a 6–5 Cubs victory.

Prior to his debut, Horton had been dominant in Triple-A Iowa, posting a 1.24 ERA with 33 strikeouts over 29 innings in six starts. His promotion and strong performance provide a significant boost to the Cubs’ pitching rotation as they navigate injuries and aim for continued success in the season.