Oklahoma Sooners Superstar Cade Horton Called Up to Chicago Cubs, Set for MLB Debut
The Oklahoma Sooners baseball program has produced another big-league talent, as star pitcher Cade Horton received the call every young player dreams of—a promotion to the Chicago Cubs. The 22-year-old right-hander, who became a household name during Oklahoma’s magical 2022 College World Series run, is set to make his Major League debut this weekend against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
Horton’s rapid ascent through the Cubs’ system has been nothing short of spectacular. Drafted seventh overall in 2022 after his breakout postseason performance—where he struck out 24 batters in Omaha—Horton quickly established himself as one of baseball’s top pitching prospects. After dominating Double-A Tennessee with a 1.85 ERA and 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings, he earned a late-season call-up as the Cubs push for a National League Wild Card spot.
The news sent shockwaves through both the college baseball and MLB communities. Horton’s former Oklahoma coach, Skip Johnson, called it “a proud moment for our program” and praised his former ace’s work ethic. “Cade has that rare combination of elite stuff and unshakable composure,” Johnson said. “Wrigley’s gonna love him.”
For Cubs fans, Horton’s arrival represents hope for both the present and future. With a fastball that touches 98 mph and a devastating slider-curveball mix, he projects as a potential frontline starter. His call-up comes at a critical time for Chicago, who are locked in a tight playoff race and in need of a rotation boost.
Horton’s journey to the majors is a testament to resilience. Just two years ago, he was recovering from Tommy John surgery and considered a draft wild card before his legendary CWS performance put him on the map. Now, he’ll take the mound at one of baseball’s most historic ballparks, wearing the same Cubbie blue as legends like Greg Maddux and Kerry Wood.
The Oklahoma connection in MLB grows stronger with Horton’s debut. He joins former Sooners like Alec Hansen and Kyler Murray as recent OU products to reach the big leagues, further cementing the program’s reputation as a pitching powerhouse.
As Horton prepares for his first MLB start, the baseball world will be watching. Whether he becomes a September difference-maker or simply gets a taste of the big leagues, one thing is certain: another Oklahoma Sooner has arrived on baseball’s biggest stage—and he’s bringing that Omaha magic with him.
Update: The Cubs have announced Horton will start Sunday’s series finale against the Cardinals in what promises to be an emotional debut at the Friendly Confines.
