Cubs’ “Next Ace” Cade Horton Named NL Rookie of the Year Finalist After “Beast Mode” Finish.vc

The Cubs’ rising star went on a dominant 12-start run to end the season, posting a 1.03 ERA that makes him a favorite for the award.

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs may have just uncovered their next ace. Cade Horton, the Cubs’ rising star, has been officially named a finalist for the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year, a nomination that comes as no surprise to anyone who watched his meteoric rise this season.

Horton’s 2025 rookie campaign was nothing short of phenomenal. The right-hander made a powerful impact in his first year, posting an 11-4 record and a 2.67 ERA across 23 games (22 starts).

But what truly set him apart was his incredible late-season run. Over his last 12 starts, Horton went into “beast mode,” posting a mind-blowing 1.03 ERA and a 0.783 WHIP. During that dominant stretch, he limited opponents to just three home runs in 61.1 innings.

His dominance not only earned him the Rookie of the Year finalist nod but also cemented his place as one of the most exciting young pitchers in the game.

A “Warning Shot” to the League

Horton’s performance shows the type of mentality that great pitchers are made of, and he’s already looking ahead.

“I knew I had the talent, but it wasn’t until those last 12 starts that I really found my rhythm,” Horton said in a recent interview. “Every inning, every pitch—it was all about pushing myself to be better, and I’m just getting started.”

Those words are a “warning shot” to the rest of the league: the Cubs have a future star on their hands, and the future is now.

The Competition

Horton is joined in the Rookie of the Year race by two other impressive NL rookies:

• Drake Baldwin (C, Atlanta Braves): Baldwin impressed with a solid .274/.341/.469 slash line, 19 home runs, and a 3.3 bWAR in 124 games.
• Caleb Durbin (UT, Milwaukee Brewers): Durbin was a solid all-around contributor, posting a .256/.334/.387 line with 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases in 136 games.

Despite Baldwin’s strong WAR and Durbin’s solid performance, it’s Horton’s game-changing ability to shut down offenses that may ultimately win over the voters. His stunning performance over his final 12 starts might be the defining factor in the tight race.

The Rookie of the Year winner will be announced next Monday, November 10, live on MLB Network at 6 p.m. CT. No matter the outcome, Horton’s rookie year has already made waves, and a new Cubs ace has arrived.