Cade Horton’s 2025 Scoreless Streak: A Rookie Sensation Sparking the Cubs’ Rotation

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • Cade Horton set a record with a 29-inning scoreless streak in MLB during the 2025 season.
  • His streak ranks fourth all-time for rookie pitchers since 1974, highlighting its rarity.
  • Horton’s performances have been crucial for the Chicago Cubs amidst injury struggles in their rotation.
  • He demonstrated excellent control, striking out multiple batters without issuing walks.
  • His streak was interrupted after allowing a run, but his value remains high for the Cubs’ future.

Table of Contents

The Streak That’s Making History

What Sets Horton Apart

Impact on the Cubs

What’s Next for Horton?

FAQ

Sources

The Streak That’s Making History

Starting with the fifth inning of a July 9 game against the Minnesota Twins, Cade Horton has thrown four straight outings with zero runs allowed, culminating in a 29-inning stretch that tops all pitchers in 2025[0]. This feat not only claims the longest streak this year but also places Horton fourth all-time for rookie pitchers since 1974—highlighting the rarity and impressiveness of his run[1]. He surpassed players like Clarke Schmidt, who held the previous 2025 record with 28.1 innings[2].

What Sets Horton Apart

Horton’s success is about more than just raw statistics. Over his streak, he consistently delivered at least five innings per start without yielding a run, achieved a personal best with six strikeouts in a game, and showed excellent control by not walking a batter in his latest outing[1]. Despite the Cubs’ injury crisis in their starting rotation, Horton has been a bedrock of stability, pitching deep into games and limiting hits and walks effectively[0] and[3].

Impact on the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have struggled with injuries to key starters like Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon throughout the 2025 season[4]. Horton’s breakthrough gives the team a much-needed lift, helping to shore up the rotation as the Cubs aim to push for a postseason appearance. His consistent performances have become a beacon of hope amid an otherwise inconsistent pitching staff[1] and[2].

What’s Next for Horton?

Horton’s streak ended after allowing a rare run post-All-Star break, but his value to the Cubs remains undeniable[1]. If he continues to pitch at this level, he’s a strong candidate for National League Rookie of the Year and a cornerstone for the Cubs’ pitching future[3]. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as Horton’s rookie campaign challenges historical milestones and injects new energy into Chicago’s season.

FAQ

What is Cade Horton known for in 2025?

Cade Horton is renowned for his record-breaking scoreless innings streak of 29 innings in Major League Baseball during the 2025 season. This streak highlights his dominance as a rookie pitcher and his ability to perform under pressure.

How does Horton’s streak compare historically?

Horton’s 29-inning streak ranks fourth all-time for rookie pitchers since 1974, surpassing previous records held by players like Clarke Schmidt with 28.1 innings. This places him among the elite rookie pitchers in MLB history for a single season.

What are Horton’s prospects moving forward?

If Horton maintains his current performance level, he is a strong candidate for National League Rookie of the Year and a future cornerstone for the Cubs’ pitching rotation. His development will be closely monitored as the season progresses.

Sources