WATCH: Cade Horton on how Jameson Taillon has been a mentor

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - 3 hours ago

Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton recently spoke to the media and discussed James Taillon as a mentor, his athleticism helping him grow as a pitcher, moving in the right direction for the season and more.

“It means so much,” Horton said of Taillon being a mentor to him. “It helps bridge that gap, and he’s been a huge part of that. He’s been that guy for me and continues to be, and now I’m getting to know a lot of these other guys. It’s been helpful.”

Taillon remembers how it feels to be a young player trying to find their way in the majors.

“I’ve literally been in his shoes before,” Taillon said. “I’ve been considered a top prospect. I’ve also been hurt. I know that feeling of feeling a little alone. And then just coming into a big league locker room, I had guys that, when I was younger, made me feel really welcome. That really goes a long way.”

Horton also talked about his mechanical tweaks.

“I think there was some mechanical things and just really not feeling like myself, [not] feeling athletic and I felt like I was trying to force a lot of things,” Horton said on Sunday morning near the agility field at Sloan Park.

Watch the interview below:

Video summary/cliff-notes:

Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Cade Horton discussed his development and outlook for the upcoming season:

Athletic Background: Horton highlighted how his experience as a former quarterback and third baseman has enhanced his pitching mechanics and consistency.

2024 Season Challenges: He addressed the lat strain injury that sidelined him in May 2024, emphasizing the importance of a cautious approach to recovery.

Offseason Focus: Horton detailed his offseason regimen, concentrating on strength training and refining his changeup to complement his fastball and slider.

2025 Goals: He expressed his ambition to secure a spot in the Cubs' starting rotation, building on his successful stints across Single-A, High-A, and Double-A levels in 2023.

Team Dynamics: Horton praised the supportive environment within the Cubs organization, noting the collaborative efforts with coaching staff and fellow pitchers to enhance performance.

Horton's commitment to leveraging his athleticism and overcoming past setbacks positions him as a promising candidate for the Cubs' pitching lineup in the 2025 season.