MLB broadcaster Carlos Peña makes huge statement on Cubs’ standout rookie Cade Horton originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Chicago Cubs might have the most underrated pitcher in the MLB right now, and he’s a rookie. Cubs’ right-handed pitcher Cade Horton leads the team in ERA and would have the ninth best ERA in the entire MLB if he qualified.

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The only thing holding Horton back is the amount of innings he’s pitched. The Cubs’ rookie has thrown 103.2 innings this season, and the Cubs’ are being cautious with his arm, because that’s already a career-high for the 24-year-old.

The Cubs sit at 80-60 with 32 games remaining. Chicago is six games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, but has a five-game cushion in the NL wild card race, and Horton will be pivotal to the Cubs’ pitching staff down the stretch.

Where Does Horton Rank Among MLB Starters Right Now?

Horton holds an impressive 2.78 ERA on the season across 103.2 innings pitched and 19 starts. However, since the All-Star break, the Cubs’ rookie has been even better.

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After Horton delivered five hitless innings on Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves, MLB broadcaster and former All-Star first baseman Carlos Peña made a bold statement about Horton’s recent success.

“I’m going to go ahead and say it, he is the best pitcher in the major leagues right now,” Peña said.

Horton has, statistically, been the best pitcher in the MLB since the All-Star break with a 0.77 ERA. The Cubs’ rookie has the lowest post All-Star break ERA since former Cubs’ pitcher Jake Arrieta posted a 0.75 ERA in 2015. However, no other player has posted a lower ERA post All-Star break then Horton since 1936.

With Horton in his rookie year, Peña then gave his vote for the Cubs’ starter in the Rookie of the Year conversation.

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“He’s got my vote, and I know there’s going to be some, definitely other candidates that we got to look at. There’s bulk, and we’re going to talk about how many innings has he truly pitched all year? I understand, but what he’s doing is absolutely remarkable,” Peña said. “When I say that he is one of the best pitchers in all major league baseball. I’m not exaggerating, we can look at the numbers. But if you look at the era leaders from the all star break on – he’s the man.”

Horton has been the best pitcher in the MLB since the All-Star break and he’s having the best stretch for a rookie pitcher in MLB history.

Wednesday night was the Cubs’ rookie’s 20th major league appearance and his eighth qualified scoreless outing, which is also the most in MLB history.

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Horton has had a historic second half of the season, and he’s doing so in his rookie year. The Cubs’ are still fighting for a spot in the postseason, and Horton will continue to be a major factor for Chicago’s starting rotation.

If the rookie starter continues the historical stretch he’s on, Horton may force his way to the top of the NL Rookie of the Year conversation.