With Shota Imanaga sidedlined for, at least, the next 15 days, many Chicago Cubs fans have been quick to suggest that now is the time for Cade Horton’s Major League debut.
Imanga’s spot in the starting rotation would next be up when the Cubs face the New York Mets on the road this weekend. With Jameson Taillon scheduled to start on Friday, Imanaga’s turn in the rotation would be due on Saturday. Given that the Cubs have an off day on Thursday, it’s also possible that the team reworks the rotation to avoid Imanaga’s spot coming up against the Mets.
Horton, who is on the same pitching schedule as Imanaga’s rotation spot, seems to be a part of the options the Cubs are considering. Jed Hoyer expanded on the Cubs’ thought process regarding Horton while speaking with reporters on Monday.
“We’re just trying to make sure it’s the right time,” Hoyer told reporters. “I think that it’s easier to work on things in the minors, and he didn’t pitch a lot last year. Had he pitched all last season, he may well have debuted by now.”
There was a confession from Hoyer that had Horton not been injured during the 2024 season, he likely would have already made his Major League debut.
Cade Horton’s MLB debut may not be this weekend
As of now, it seems likely that Chris Flexen will start for the Cubs this weekend, assuming they keep the current rotation schedule. After the series against the Mets, the Cubs have consecutive series at Wrigley Field against the Miami Marlins and the Chicago White Sox. If the Cubs are looking for the right timing for Horton’s debut, it would seem likely that it would be one of those two series.
Horton seems to have checked the boxes with his two most recent starts at Triple-A Iowa. In each start, Horton pitched six innings while striking out five and only allowing one run. Back-to-back starts with six innings of work were likely one of the final bars the Cubs’ prospect had to clear to ensure he was ready for the next level.