Cade Horton Shines in Debut Season: Wins Rookie of the Year as Cubs Claim Defensive Honors

"I’m just trying to take it one game at a time. The support I’ve received from my teammates and coaches has been incredible, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute. To be recognized as Rookie of the Year is humbling, but I know I still have a long way to go. I’m excited for what’s next and to continue improving."

The Chicago Cubs' 2025 season has been filled with standout performances from unexpected sources, but one of the most remarkable stories has been the rise of rookie pitcher Cade Horton. Once called up as an emergency measure in May due to Shota Imanaga’s injury, Horton was never expected to stick around long. Yet, what began as a short-term stint quickly turned into one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory.

Horton’s journey to stardom was not a given. Initially, the Cubs' coaching staff urged caution, reminding fans and media that Horton was still developing. But the 23-year-old defied all expectations. After a solid start to his major league career, Horton transformed into an elite pitcher. Post All-Star break, he put together a 1.04 ERA over 12 starts, cementing his place as one of the best pitchers in baseball. His 28.1 scoreless innings streak from July 9 to August 13 showcased his exceptional talent and control.

By season's end, Horton posted an 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts), earning him 2025 Rookie of the Year honors from The Sporting News. Despite a late-season rib injury that kept him from pitching in the postseason, Horton’s influence was undeniable. His performance provided a major boost to the Cubs' pitching staff, and his contributions did not go unnoticed by his teammates and coaches.

“I’m just trying to take it one game at a time. The support I’ve received from my teammates and coaches has been incredible, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute. To be recognized as Rookie of the Year is humbling, but I know I still have a long way to go. I’m excited for what’s next and to continue improving,”

While Horton was collecting individual accolades, the Cubs’ team defense also earned high praise. The Cubs were named Defensive Team of the Year

Hoerner, who was awarded the Fielding Bible Award for second base, led the league in Runs Saved at his position, while Crow-Armstrong and Happ also ranked highly among the best defenders in the league.

The Cubs' commitment to defense has been a hallmark of their team-building strategy, driven by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. This focus on long-term assets, including solid defense, base running, and team chemistry, has allowed the Cubs to remain competitive even when their offense or pitching hasn’t been at its peak. It’s a strategy that has clearly paid off in 2025, with Horton’s pitching brilliance and the Cubs’ defense playing a crucial role in the team’s success.

“On any given day, the Cubs could’ve started at least seven or eight Gold Glove-caliber players on the field," one scout noted, highlighting the Cubs' defensive prowess. This depth in defense has helped alleviate the burden on the pitching staff and provided crucial support for the team’s overall success.

As the Cubs look ahead to the 2026 season, the future remains bright. With young stars like Cade Horton leading the pitching staff and a defense that ranks among the best in the league, the Cubs are poised for continued success. The emphasis on defense, fundamentals, and team chemistry will remain a key focus as they build for the future, especially with potential challenges looming in free agency.

Cade Horton’s breakout season is just the beginning. The Cubs' future looks incredibly promising, and the team's success on the mound and in the field sets the stage for more victories to come.

Canadiens Coach Reacts to Patrik Laine’s Long-Term Injury: “A Huge Blow, But We’ll Adapt”

"Montreal faces tough road ahead as Laine is set to miss 3-4 months after surgery."

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Montreal Canadiens have been hit with devastating news: Patrik Laine, the team's talented winger, will miss the next three to four months after undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury. This marks the second consecutive season that Laine’s campaign has been derailed by a significant injury, and the timing couldn’t be worse for both the player and the team.

Head Coach of the Canadiens, Martin St. Louis, reacted to the news with a mixture of frustration and resolve, acknowledging the loss but stressing the importance of adaptation. “Losing Patrik for an extended period of time is a huge blow for us. He’s a key player, and we’ll miss his offensive ability and leadership on the ice. But we’re a team, and we’ll have to adapt. Our focus now is on supporting Patrik through his recovery, and when he’s ready to return, we’ll be here to welcome him back. In the meantime, we need others to step up and help fill the gap,”

St. Louis said in his post-practice remarks.

This injury comes just as Laine was beginning to find his rhythm with the Canadiens, after a frustrating first season with the team. Last season, he missed significant time due to a preseason knee injury, and while he made a strong return, his performance waned in the latter part of the season and during the playoffs, where he was injured again in their series against

Washington.

While Laine was able to make it through training camp healthy, the current season has not been kind. He was already struggling with limited ice time, having been relegated to fourth-line minutes after starting on the second line. In just

five games, Laine managed only one assist and was averaging a career-low 12:36 in ice time. After seeking a second opinion, the severity of his injury was confirmed, leading to the surgery and subsequent long-term absence.

Laine's Determination to Return
Despite the setback, Laine remains determined to return stronger than ever. “It’s frustrating, of course, but I’m going to do everything I can to get back on the ice as soon as possible. I’ve been through injuries before, and I know the process. I’ll focus on my recovery, and when I’m healthy again, I’ll be ready to contribute to the team’s success. It’s not ideal, but I’m determined to come back stronger,”

Laine said.

The injury not only affects the Canadiens’ lineup but also Laine’s future. With this being a contract year, the long-term absence is expected to impact his value on the open market. Laine currently carries an

$8.7 million cap hit with Montreal, but missing more than half the season could push his hopes for a big payday out of reach. A one-year contract with performance incentives could be the best route for him, allowing him to prove his worth while minimizing risk for potential suitors.

Montreal’s Next Steps
For the Canadiens, the focus now shifts to the next man up. With Laine out for months, they’ll need other players to step up in his absence.

Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Josh Anderson will be counted on to contribute more offensively, and it’s a time for the team to rally together. With over $4 million

in cap space, the Canadiens may also look to add a piece through the trade market to fill the void left by Laine.

Despite the tough situation, St. Louis remains optimistic that the team can overcome this challenge:

“We’ve got a lot of depth, and this is where we see the character of the team. Everyone needs to elevate their game. We’ve dealt with adversity before, and we’ll do it again. The focus is on moving forward and making sure we stay competitive.”

As the season continues without one of their top players, the Canadiens will need to adapt quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive. Laine’s absence is significant, but his eventual return could provide the spark needed to push the team toward success.

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