Chicago Cubs' rookie Cade Horton made a name for himself as a high school athlete in Oklahoma. During the 2020 season, he was named the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year after hitting .375 that year.
He would go on to play for the University of Oklahoma, but tore his ulnar collateral ligament and had to undergo Tommy John surgery. He then came out the following season, playing third base while making relief appearances on the mound, but would then move to the Sooners' starting rotation.
In 2022, he helped Oklahoma reach the Men's College World Series, where he pitched 7.1 innings, further making a name for himself. With his dominance on the mound, he was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the seventh overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft.
Horton would battle his way through the minor league system and found himself receiving the call-up and making his MLB debut on May 10. Since his debut, the young RHP has been exceptional.
Cade Horton is predicted to win the NL's Rookie of the Year Award
Not only has Cade Horton been impressive for a rookie, but he has quickly turned into one of MLB's most dominant arms. He has started 20 games for Chicago this season, holding together a 10-4 record with a 2.70 ERA across 110 innings of work.
He has certainly been a reason for the Cubs' success this season. ESPN's Bradford Doolittle predicts that he will be the one to take home the National League Rookie of the Year award if he can keep up this type of performance.
"Horton has allowed less than a run every other start since the All-Star break. If he maintains anything close to that pace, he'll win. Otherwise, give it to a Brewer."
Doolittle predicts that this race will come down to either Horton or Isaac Collins, or Caleb Durbin of the Milwaukee Brewers.