Cubs Ace Cade Horton Throwing Harder Than Ever

MLB teams should take notice as the young star prepares for a breakout season.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton is throwing harder than ever in spring training, with his fastball averaging 96 mph and touching 98 mph. This velocity increase comes after a dominant rookie season where Horton posted a 2.67 ERA and 1.085 WHIP over 118 innings. Cubs manager Craig Counsell says Horton is in a "really good place" and is "cruising" despite still building up for the season, hinting that the young ace could be on the verge of unlocking something special.

Why it matters

Horton's potential velocity jump could make him an even more dominant force in the Cubs' rotation, which is already shaping up to be one of the best in baseball with the additions of Edward Cabrera and Shota Imanaga. If Horton can take another step forward, the Cubs could have a true ace leading their staff and making them a formidable contender in the National League.

The details

Horton averaged 95.7 mph on his fastball during his rookie season, but has already hit 98 mph this spring while sitting at 96 mph on average. Cubs manager Craig Counsell says the team has stressed a "slow, steady build-up" for Horton, implying he may have even more velocity to unlock as the season progresses. After posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.085 WHIP in his first 118 MLB innings, Horton could be on the verge of an All-Star caliber season if this velocity increase is real.

  • Horton is throwing harder than ever so far in spring training in 2026.
  • Horton's rookie season was in 2025, where he dominated in the second half before missing the postseason due to injury.

The players

Cade Horton

A young ace pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is throwing harder than ever in spring training as he prepares for his first full MLB season.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, who has praised Horton's progress and says the young pitcher is "in a really good place" despite still building up for the season.

Edward Cabrera

A new addition to the Cubs' pitching staff, acquired via trade, who will bolster an already strong rotation.

Shota Imanaga

A key member of the Cubs' pitching staff who was retained on a qualifying offer, keeping the rotation intact.

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What they’re saying

“We've really stressed to Cade a slow, steady build-up for the season. That's what's most important. He should have the feeling of he's got a lot of time. He feels great, he's in a great place.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager (The Athletic)

“And he's cruising...that's why I said he's in a really good place.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager (The Athletic)

What’s next

Horton will look to carry his strong spring training performance into the regular season as he aims to build on his impressive rookie campaign and cement himself as one of the top young pitchers in baseball.

The takeaway

Cade Horton's velocity increase could make the Cubs' rotation one of the most dominant in the league, giving them a true ace to lead the way. If Horton can maintain this uptick in velocity throughout the season, he could be on the verge of an All-Star caliber year and help propel the Cubs to contender status in the National League.