MESA, Ariz. — Cade Horton, a standout right-hander for the Chicago Cubs in 2023, is preparing to build on his strong rookie season by emphasizing his mental approach. Following a breakout year, Horton prioritized refining his routine over chasing immediate results throughout the offseason in hopes of consistency this year.
“I think it was more just focusing on my process,”
Horton explained.
“I think you could look at my year and (be) like, ‘Wow, you had a great year.’ Guess what, I gotta go do it again. And so just focusing on the process as opposed to going out and pitching for results was the biggest thing for me this offseason.”
Chicago Cubs Look to Horton in Their Rotation Depth
As the Cubs endeavor to advance beyond their five-game NL Division Series loss to Milwaukee last fall, Horton’s development remains a focal point. The organization bolstered its pitching staff by acquiring Edward Cabrera from Miami in January and bringing back Shota Imanaga on a qualifying offer worth over $22 million. Yet among these additions, Horton is regarded as a rising ace within the team’s pitching rotation.
Manager Craig Counsell highlighted Horton’s growing confidence and mental readiness heading into the season.
“Obviously he got a lot of confidence from the season,”
Counsell said.
“But he was in a really good place kind of coming into last year, too, and I think he’s in a similar place I would say.”
Horton’s Rapid Rise and Impressive Rookie Stats
Horton began last year with Triple-A Iowa before making his big league debut in May. At 24, he quickly asserted himself as a dependable starter, compiling an 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA. Notably, Horton held opposing batters scoreless for over 28 innings between early July and mid-August. His outstanding performance earned him runner-up honors in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, trailing only Atlanta catcher Drake Baldwin.
Health and Recovery Play Critical Role in 2024
Looking ahead to his sophomore season, Horton feels physically prepared but acknowledges that maintaining health is vital. After enduring two injury-shortened campaigns, he is aiming to stay on the mound consistently. In 2024’s minor league outings, Horton was limited by a right lat strain, and he faced additional setbacks last September due to complications from illness that led to back and rib injuries.
During his final start against the New York Mets, Horton exited after three innings because of back tightness and was later diagnosed with a fractured right rib. He attempted to continue pitching through the ailment but eventually had to step back, coinciding with the Cubs’ elimination by the Brewers in the playoffs.
Regarding Horton’s offseason recovery, Counsell noted,
“He got some time off late September, obviously, a little sooner than the rest of the guys, and he didn’t take much time off throwing. Kept throwing kind of basically throughout the offseason. Feels great coming in, so it’s just building a foundation over the next month and getting to a good place.”
Mental Preparation and Team Chemistry Strengthen Horton’s Outlook
Horton has invested in working with a mental strength coach to sharpen his focus on daily execution rather than solely outcomes. This approach is designed to enhance his repeatability and consistency in critical moments. He is enthusiastic about rejoining the Cubs’ pitching staff, which features All-Star left-hander Matthew Boyd and veteran Jameson Taillon.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun with these guys,”
Horton said.
“You know, it’s our second year together. And so just being able to already have those friendships and be able to lean on each other in big spots, like it’s huge for us. So I’m excited to work with this group.”
Building on Last Year’s Momentum and Future Prospects
Cade Horton’s progression is a key component for the Chicago Cubs as they seek a deeper postseason run in 2024. His emphasis on refining his craft both physically and mentally suggests a strong commitment to sustaining and elevating his performance. With the pitching rotation bolstered by acquisitions and experienced teammates, Horton’s continued success could prove instrumental in Chicago’s aspirations.
As the Cubs navigate spring training and prepare for the regular season, Horton’s health and consistent delivery will be closely watched, signaling his potential role as a cornerstone in the rotation for years to come.
