I've been thinking about my bold prediction since the start of spring training and I'm not wavering from it. The bare minimum expectation for the 2024 Chicago Cubs is a trip to the playoffs, so the first part of my boldest prediction is a layup. However, I have a pitcher who hasn't even thrown an inning above Double-A not only making it on the Cubs postseason roster, but being part of the rotation and winning games.
I am all in on the Cade Horton hype train and my boldest 2024 Cubs prediction is that he wins two postseason games this year.
Either by performance or injury, I see Horton getting called up in the second half of the season and he proves to be too good not to include on the playoff roster. As of now, the Cubs starting rotation to begin the regular season is Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Jordan Wicks, Shōta Imanaga and Javier Assad. Jameson Taillon is expected back by late April or early May.
Even if there aren't any other significant injuries in the pitching staff, I think Craig Counsell is going to want Horton on his roster come October.
In 2023, Horton made his pro debut in the Cubs minor league system and he quickly shut down any doubters. The right-handed pitcher made 21 starts from Low-A Ball through Double-A, and posted a 2.65 ERA in 88.1 innings. Horton struck out 117 batters, which came out to a ridiculous 33.5 K%. The righty ended his season with a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings at Double-A, with the Tennessee Smokies.
Horton has the stuff, composure and attitude to be great on the mound. I cannot wait for Cade Horton's MLB debut.
Here are some other bold predictions from fans for the 2024 Cubs.
@KFidds
Garrrett Cooper and Michael Busch combine to hit 40 homers as the 1B platoon; Matt Shaw is starting at 3B by the All-Star Game.
@dwest__
Bold prediction: Alzolay has 40 saves
@nahatan_k
morel hits 35+ hrs and is an all star
@waspopswrong
The Cubs win 95 games
@AvenPicks
Seiya wins the batting title
@bigcruzer
Alzolay 35 saves Swanson 100 RBI’s Imanaga 200 K’s Steele 18 wins
@byalexwallner
Seiya- 40 home runs. Steele wins the Cy Young. Cubs win the division by a landslide and advance to the NLCS.
@RealAirotnas
deadline trade will be for pete alonso
@Cubs_Scholten
Seiya gets votes for MVP
@pktwaran
Cooper hits 31 HR
They're not all positive.
@cubneck
Cubs win 78 games and Jed gets fired after the season. The new POBO then goes on a major spending spree.
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