Cubs rookie pitcher Cade Horton finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting despite limited innings due to injury.

Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Cade Horton finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, behind Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, earning nine first-place votes. Despite limited innings due to a pitch limit, a fractured rib, and a late-season cough that sidelined him for the playoffs, Horton posted a 2.67 ERA in 23 appearances, with a 1.03 ERA in the second half—best among NL pitchers with 60 or more innings. His strong finish helped the Cubs secure the top NL wild-card spot. The team protected his health over a postseason push, and Horton earned full service time and a $500,000 bonus. He is expected to anchor the Cubs’ rotation in 2026 as the team explores pitching upgrades and prepares for the retirement of veteran Kyle Hendricks.