Photo: MATTIE NERETIN/USA TODAY NETWORK

Cubs' Top Pitching Prospect, Cade Horton, Promoted to Triple-A

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated 4/30/24

The Chicago Cubs have tested their pitching depth all season long. From injuries to Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks, to inefficiencies of Kyle Hendricks, and a late start for Jameson Taillon, the organization's depth has been put to the test. Factor in the bullpen as well and it is easy to see how an organization's depth can be tested so early and often over the course of 162 games.

With all the injuries, On Tap Sports Net's Bobby Foster proposed potentially calling the Cubs' top pitching prospect, RHP Cade Horton, up to the majors. In almost coincidental fashion, Horton is receiving a promotion but not the one suggested by Foster.

According to Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register, Cade Horton has been promoted to Triple-A Iowa and will join the Iowa Cubs this week.

Some big Cubs news: The Cubs are promoting prized pitching prospect Cade Horton to Triple-A with the @IowaCubs.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) April 30, 2024

Horton has been splendid in the minors this season, despite working largely on a restricted pitch count. After pitching his way to a 2.65 ERA across three levels and 21 starts in 2023, Horton has exploded to begin 2024 pitching his way to a 1.10 ERA in four starts with Double-A Tennessee. Although Horton has only pitched 16.1 innings, he's been lights out in his limited work. Horton owns 18 strikeouts and has allowed just two free passes.

Now, Horton will look to expand his workload. The Cubs have been cautious with their young pitchers on pitch counts, so watching Horton's next step in development will tell a lot about his immediate future. His long-term future is surely as a front-end starter for the Cubs, but his short-term future could be as an important bullpen piece later in the season if the opportunity presents itself.

There is no word yet as to when Horton will make a start for the Iowa Cubs, but the number of eyes following what is going on in Des Moines, IA moving forward has surely increased with the latest piece of news.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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