{"id":154339,"date":"2026-02-19T22:27:47","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T22:27:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=154339"},"modified":"2026-02-19T22:27:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T22:27:47","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-bombshell-healthy-again-cade-horton-is-eyeing-a-massive-second-season-with-the-chicago-cubs-and-the-confidence-inside-camp-suggests-this-is-more-than-routine-optimism-after-b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=154339","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 BOMBSHELL: Healthy again, Cade Horton is eyeing a massive second season with the Chicago Cubs \u2014 and the confidence inside camp suggests this is more than routine optimism. After battling setbacks, the young arm is flashing the velocity and command that once made him untouchable. If durability finally matches his raw talent, Chicago\u2019s rotation could gain a weapon opponents aren\u2019t ready for.. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"71\">Healthy Again, Cade Horton Aims to Anchor Cubs Rotation in Year Two<\/h1>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/sMGcY9o7AZHnthz9U2BWu5ghW4kCeIyzZKzhChQcVzkDytD2wnaPXWt4uhuWI1qtF5jvzw0f0_MOat-BMH472XJsstKmKRe8i2MX2xqTcUk?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/sMGcY9o7AZHnthz9U2BWu5ghW4kCeIyzZKzhChQcVzkDytD2wnaPXWt4uhuWI1qtF5jvzw0f0_MOat-BMH472XJsstKmKRe8i2MX2xqTcUk?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cst.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/490b2e6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4200x2800%2B0%2B0\/resize\/840x560%21\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F13%2F8a%2Fe61915c04929b35d848818541fd7%2Fst26-palencia-01-f5-8x12-350.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/cst.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/490b2e6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4200x2800%2B0%2B0\/resize\/840x560%21\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F13%2F8a%2Fe61915c04929b35d848818541fd7%2Fst26-palencia-01-f5-8x12-350.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1024%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg%2Cdpr_3.0\/mlb\/phawhq97zynelqfv3sv0\" alt=\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1024%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg%2Cdpr_3.0\/mlb\/phawhq97zynelqfv3sv0\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute end-2 bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full px-2 py-1.5 text-white backdrop-blur-md backdrop-brightness-75\"><span class=\"text-xs font-semibold\">4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"115\" data-end=\"344\">The <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Chicago Cubs<\/span><\/span> enter the 2026 season with legitimate postseason ambitions, and the continued evolution of <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Cade Horton<\/span><\/span> may ultimately determine how far those ambitions extend.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"346\" data-end=\"555\">After an impressive rookie campaign that positioned him among the National League\u2019s most reliable young starters, Horton approaches his second season focused less on accolades and more on repeatable process.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"724\">The 24-year-old right-hander understands that sustained excellence in Major League Baseball demands consistency, not merely a breakout year that surprises opponents.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"925\">Rather than dwelling on his statistical accomplishments, Horton devoted the offseason to refining mental preparation, emphasizing daily routines and controllable habits over outcome-based thinking.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"927\" data-end=\"1117\">That approach reflects a maturity beyond his experience level, particularly for a pitcher who quickly transitioned from Triple-A Iowa to becoming a stabilizing force in Chicago\u2019s rotation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1281\">Horton debuted in May last season and finished with an 11-4 record alongside a 2.67 ERA, numbers that immediately elevated expectations across the organization.<\/p>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cst.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4ad7486\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/901x601%2B0%2B0\/resize\/840x560%21\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F29%2F60%2Fa80b50414c10ab80376b1d3043c0%2Fscreenshot-2025-08-01-at-5-34-30-pm.png\" alt=\"https:\/\/cst.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/4ad7486\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/901x601%2B0%2B0\/resize\/840x560%21\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F29%2F60%2Fa80b50414c10ab80376b1d3043c0%2Fscreenshot-2025-08-01-at-5-34-30-pm.png\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/L7nOPIZp2yDB-N0T7FiRy4pW2Eh1FIx3fgbDcR-yMPn3ZRnDSB-ECNbyTCXTObHHlZV-_QdbcnKuKgOFX57rzU7jSH53hjyspsbPlMQQoog?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/L7nOPIZp2yDB-N0T7FiRy4pW2Eh1FIx3fgbDcR-yMPn3ZRnDSB-ECNbyTCXTObHHlZV-_QdbcnKuKgOFX57rzU7jSH53hjyspsbPlMQQoog?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/dupvhm5r1oaxt.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Craig-Counsell-hand-on-chin-in-dugout-in-return-to-Milwaukee.png\" alt=\"https:\/\/dupvhm5r1oaxt.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Craig-Counsell-hand-on-chin-in-dugout-in-return-to-Milwaukee.png\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute end-2 bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full px-2 py-1.5 text-white backdrop-blur-md backdrop-brightness-75\"><span class=\"text-xs font-semibold\">4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1498\">His 28 1\/3 scoreless innings streak from July through mid-August showcased command precision and composure under pressure, traits often associated with frontline starters.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1500\" data-end=\"1705\">Manager <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Craig Counsell<\/span><\/span> has consistently praised Horton\u2019s confidence, noting that his mental state entering 2026 mirrors the steady focus he displayed prior to last year\u2019s breakout.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"1904\">Horton\u2019s second-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting further validated his impact, though he insists that recognition carries little weight compared to sustained performance.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1906\" data-end=\"2010\">Health remains central to Horton\u2019s outlook after previous seasons were disrupted by physical setbacks.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2012\" data-end=\"2146\">In 2024, a right lat strain limited him to nine minor league starts, delaying his developmental timeline and testing his resilience.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2148\" data-end=\"2270\">Last September, persistent coughing triggered back and rib discomfort that culminated in a right rib fracture diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2272\" data-end=\"2444\">Despite attempting to pitch through discomfort, Horton ultimately required rest, narrowly missing a potential postseason return before Chicago\u2019s elimination by Milwaukee.<\/p>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1024%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg%2Cdpr_3.0\/mlb\/xznpfonapqhvymiaglhp\" alt=\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/ar_16%3A9%2Cg_auto%2Cq_auto%3Agood%2Cw_1024%2Cc_fill%2Cf_jpg%2Cdpr_3.0\/mlb\/xznpfonapqhvymiaglhp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-1\/1auGGVtTGqgVMqy4OkmeS7LmVzPSC5WQnuE6dK0JB7rl_3nFDr0fnBwzK2zC9DLW8qrveZENgaxKxvVh1qKJtGlPTMPtxHdvLm7hUbzBUxKMi9vknaH0JIr6nhVsitI2f6Q-YGHcRELkssmul2rRdQ\" alt=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/gcdn\/-mm-\/fbc9ea50f3966e556698681f9b0e470ec5aeee74\/c%3D262-0-2414-2152\/local\/-\/media\/2018\/02\/19\/USATODAY\/USATODAY\/636546392649953741-USP-MLB-NLCS-CHICAGO-CUBS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-DODGERS-94614493.JPG\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-1\/Ei1dc-ocLjKwKtA_ag2SCi3vyVf0q4S3kuBAUQScp9fUyGsPCs4b9h231CVHIkfmmcITHOK6QNkLt-Za_MfGG5aSCA0SCAou7R0rD3i90_7adyET-CSKTJZfUJZvHbas8E56Va3nRHszpZnnVS-OwQ\" alt=\"https:\/\/www.rrstar.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/2012\/02\/29\/NRRS\/ghows-IR-b345bf0d-53a7-439c-91ec-02c378318ff7-cdff20f4.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;disable=upscale&amp;format=pjpg&amp;width=1200\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute end-2 bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full px-2 py-1.5 text-white backdrop-blur-md backdrop-brightness-75\"><span class=\"text-xs font-semibold\">4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2651\">This spring, Horton reports full health, describing his body as \u201cin a good place,\u201d an encouraging signal for a Cubs staff seeking stability atop a deep rotation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2653\" data-end=\"2872\">The team fortified its pitching depth during the offseason, acquiring Edward Cabrera and retaining Shota Imanaga via a qualifying offer, while All-Star Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon remain established contributors.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2874\" data-end=\"2986\">Within that context, Horton\u2019s ceiling may be the variable that elevates the unit from competitive to dominant.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2988\" data-end=\"3170\">His fastball command and ability to sequence secondary pitches with conviction suggest that last season\u2019s numbers were not flukes but rather the foundation of sustained excellence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3172\" data-end=\"3329\">Equally important has been Horton\u2019s commitment to mental conditioning, working closely with a mental strength coach to reinforce process-oriented thinking.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3331\" data-end=\"3445\">Such preparation is critical in Chicago, where media scrutiny and divisional competition intensify every outing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3447\" data-end=\"3604\">Horton recognizes that early success often invites adjustments from opposing hitters, necessitating continual adaptation in pitch selection and sequencing.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3606\" data-end=\"3743\">By prioritizing execution over results, he positions himself to navigate inevitable slumps without deviating from established routines.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3892\">The chemistry within the rotation also benefits Horton, as shared experience from the prior season fosters trust during high-leverage situations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3894\" data-end=\"4050\">Veteran teammates provide guidance in workload management and scouting preparation, allowing Horton to focus on refining mechanics and maintaining health.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4052\" data-end=\"4220\">Chicago\u2019s postseason exit last year serves as both motivation and instructional reference, highlighting the narrow margins that separate advancement from elimination.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4222\" data-end=\"4383\">If Horton builds upon his rookie foundation while remaining physically durable, he could emerge as the de facto ace of a rotation rich in complementary talent.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4385\" data-end=\"4478\">Such an outcome would significantly bolster the Cubs\u2019 pursuit of deeper October contention.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4480\" data-end=\"4641\">For now, the emphasis remains incremental, building arm strength through controlled innings in Mesa before transitioning to meaningful starts at Wrigley Field.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4643\" data-end=\"4773\">Horton\u2019s calm demeanor suggests that he understands the cyclical nature of pitching success, balancing confidence with humility.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4775\" data-end=\"4916\">As 2026 unfolds, his progression will likely mirror the Cubs\u2019 trajectory, intertwining personal development with organizational aspiration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4918\" data-end=\"5066\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">A healthy Cade Horton does more than solidify the rotation; he anchors belief that Chicago\u2019s window for sustained competitiveness remains wide open.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Healthy Again, Cade Horton Aims to Anchor Cubs Rotation in Year Two 4 The Chicago Cubs enter the 2026 season with legitimate postseason ambitions, and the continued&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":154340,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-154339","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>\ud83d\udea8 BOMBSHELL: Healthy again, Cade Horton is eyeing a massive second season with the Chicago Cubs \u2014 and the confidence inside camp suggests this is more than routine optimism. After battling setbacks, the young arm is flashing the velocity and command that once made him untouchable. If durability finally matches his raw talent, Chicago\u2019s rotation could gain a weapon opponents aren\u2019t ready for.. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=154339\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 BOMBSHELL: Healthy again, Cade Horton is eyeing a massive second season with the Chicago Cubs \u2014 and the confidence inside camp suggests this is more than routine optimism. After battling setbacks, the young arm is flashing the velocity and command that once made him untouchable. 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