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New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Cubs' Cade Horton rewarding club's faith in him at the trade deadline
CHICAGO — As the Cubs were searching for an impact starting pitcher who was under control beyond this season, one name kept coming up in trade talks: Cade Horton. But team president Jed Hoyer just wasn't willing to part with the rookie pitcher, especially since those asks included other top prospects. Advertisement 'He came up in some trade discussions,' Hoyer said. 'To trade a guy (like) him with his amount of control to get a guy with less control, it didn't make a lot of sense, along with a bunch of other pieces as well.' Getting two-plus years of MacKenzie Gore or Joe Ryan would have been huge for this team. But would subtracting Horton, for not only this season but a half decade beyond, been worth it? The Cubs clearly didn't think so. How does Horton internalize the fact that the Cubs weren't willing to part with him at the deadline? 'It means a lot,' Horton said. 'I feel like I just wanna go out there, do my job and help this team win. We got a really good group in there. Just being able to do my part, whatever's asked of me, is the big thing.' Horton is doing more than his part. In a rotation that's lost Justin Steele for the season, was missing Shota Imanaga for nearly two months, hasn't had Javier Assad all year and has been without Jameson Taillon since late June, Horton has been a rock. In Wednesday's 6-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Horton was dominant. The rookie tossed 5 2/3 shutout frames, striking out six and walking none, having allowed just two hits. He needed just 67 pitches to get through his start and was pulled because the Cubs continue to monitor what's already a career-high workload. 'We want a healthy Cade Horton,' manager Craig Counsell said. 'We want a strong Cade Horton for the rest of the season. So we're going to have to make some tough decisions, that's just part of it. It's the right thing to do for the team and for Cade.' Horton understands the thinking, and while he said he feels good, he knows there's more at stake to consider. His focus is just taking the ball when it's given to him and attacking hitters while he's on the mound. As a former top prospect, Horton has had pressure on him to produce for a while. He entered last season as arguably the best pitching prospect in baseball. But a shoulder injury cut his season short, limiting him to just 34 1/3 innings. Advertisement This spring, he came into camp determined to stay healthy with a cleaned-up delivery and a focus on getting back to the pitcher he'd been early in his professional career. The one who showed enough promise to get drafted by the Cubs seventh overall in 2022. His previous success is what he draws upon to build himself up and make sure he believes he can always get the job done. 'There has to be a level of confidence just to have success in this league,' Horton said. 'It's a really hard league. If you don't believe in yourself, then it's going to be even harder.' Recently, Horton has made this 'really hard league' look easy. The righty hasn't allowed a run in 23 1/3 innings. Over his last six starts, he has a 1.05 ERA. The Cubs clung to Horton because they see him as someone who continues to improve as the season has gone along. 'Cade's done a great job for us,' Hoyer said. 'He's developed really well and I think he's going to get better. I think even from start to start, you see him make adjustments and make changes, you're going to continue to see that improvement.' Teammates and coaches have been most impressed by Horton's poise. Near the end of June, Horton had his worst start of his career in Houston. He gave up seven earned runs in four innings, allowing a pair of homers and walking four. He's made six starts since, with five of them being scoreless outings. 'I feel like that terrible start in Houston made him better,' Hoyer said. 'It didn't scare him off, it didn't bother him. I feel like he has the make up to handle big starts and big moments and he has the athleticism and feel to get better.' Horton's mental toughness is rare for a rookie. Pitchers are going to have bad outings. They're going to give up home runs and they're going to walk batters. What you do next is how you'll be judged. Horton is able to control the moment and not let the bad take over in his mind or on the field. Advertisement 'There's a discipline to Cade about what's important to him,' Counsell said. 'And that also means what's not important to him, blocking out the stuff that's not important. You're a little stubborn about the things that matter to you. That's how you keep clear-headed and don't let outside things or smaller things get in your way. That's what Cade is good at.' Counsell has repeatedly compared Horton to Steele as someone who is able to flush mistakes almost immediately and move on to the next moment. For Steele, it was a process to find that mindset. For Horton, he's seemingly had it since the moment he arrived in the big leagues. 'It's really impressive,' catcher Carson Kelly said. 'The first time he got called up and threw his first game, you could just see he was in control of everything. Even when guys are on base, the poise that he had, you're seeing that play right now as well.' Hoyer didn't make the splashy addition at the trade deadline. There's no ace being brought in to team up with Imanaga and Matthew Boyd. But there seems to be a belief in Horton right now that he can do special things. That's partly why Hoyer was unwilling to part with him at the deadline. After dominating in the College World Series with Oklahoma, the Cubs became enamored with Horton. Despite a brief college career due to injury, they were betting on the flashes he showed during those final months when he stepped up in the biggest moments. Now they're hoping he can continue to deliver over the final two months of the season and into October. 'He's making a big impact right now,' Counsell said. 'That's what's important. We got a long way to go.' Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Boston Red Sox Offered Trio of Top Prospects for All-Star
Teams had several months to work out deals, but as usual, the MLB trade deadline created a lot of last-minute activity, and the Boston Red Sox made some of the most aggressive offers. While the Red Sox did swing some deals, trading for Dustin May and Steven Matz, they came up short in their pursuit of a new No. 2 starting pitcher behind Garrett Crochet. Though, as WEEI's Rob Bradford tells it, the Red Sox's failure to add another frontline starter wasn't for a lack of trying. They reportedly offered two top-100 prospects to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for All-Star starting pitcher Joe Ryan. While a deal couldn't be struck, Boston offered various packages that included middle infielder Franklin Arias, outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia, and left-handed pitcher Payton Tolle for Ryan. Arias ranks 33rd on top 100 prospects list. Garcia and Tolle ranked 88th and 92nd, respectively. Boston also registered an interest in trading for Miami's Sandy Alcantara, who, like Ryan, didn't get moved before the trade deadline passed on July 31. In the end, the Red Sox weren't able to bolster the top of their starting rotation, but they clearly tried to be aggressive, up to a certain point. Related: Related Headlines Seven MLB Stars Who Should Be Traded This Offseason, Including Ronald Acuna Jr. 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix's Biggest Winners & Losers: Lando Norris Soars while Ferrari Tanks again Tyreek Hill Seems to be Causing Multiple Issues at Miami Dolphins Training Camp Report: NASCAR Horsepower Increase in Next Gen Car is Now Likelier to Happen
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB insider identifies Red Sox biggest needs ahead of trade deadline
The Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs have some things in common — especially when it comes to the MLB trade deadline. Prior to Saturday's game between the two teams, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal identified Boston's three biggest needs at the deadline. Coincidentally, Chicago is also in the market for the same type of players. 'Both also are looking for the same thing: A starting pitcher good enough to take the ball in a postseason series,' Rosenthal said. 'The problem is very few of those pitchers are likely to be available, and these teams have other needs as well. Both are looking for a corner infielder — the Red Sox a first baseman and the Cubs a third baseman. And both, like all contenders, are also likely to explore bullpen help.' The Cubs are atop the National League Central standings, while the Red Sox sit third in the American League East. While Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito appear to be finding a groove, starting pitchers not named Garrett Crochet haven't been consistent. First base has also been an area of need for months for the Red Sox after Triston Casas ruptured his patellar tendon. Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro have filled in since then, but getting a solidified first baseman would certainly benefit the Red Sox. The bullpen has been up-and-down all season. And with Tanner Houck remaining on the injured list after his rehab assignment, pitching became an even bigger need for Boston. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been adamant about using the trade deadline to bolster the Red Sox. And with the team in the mix for a Wild Card spot, it will be interesting to see how the needs are met. More Red Sox coverage How Red Sox star Alex Bregman's 'training day' ended in big pinch-hit homer Red Sox lose out on veteran free agent reliever Craig Breslow scouted over weekend (report) Failed bunt led to Boston Red Sox' first lead after 24 innings; 'Big moment' Red Sox CBO pulls back curtain on trade deadline plans Red Sox pitcher 'with nearly unhittable fastball' cracks MLB's Top 100 prospects Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ken Rosenthal predicts bold Red Sox move for former Astros veteran
Plenty of teams hopeful for a postseason run in the fall will be looking for a starting pitcher ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Players will be on the move, and one MLB insider predicts that a former Houston Astro will stay in the American League to bolster a contender. After a rollercoaster first half of the 2025 season, the Boston Red Sox are three games out of first place in the AL East. Nonetheless, one area that Boston could look to improve on is its starting pitching. Advertisement The Red Sox have Garrett Crochet as their No. 1 guy, but if they want to punch their ticket to the postseason, they'll need to shape the starting rotation behind him. Signing Walker Buehler this past offseason hasn't worked out for Boston, with the former Los Angeles Dodger pitcher posting a 6.12 ERA. MORE: Astros predicted to land former Cy Young Award winner in blockbuster trade While speaking on FOX Sports, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal stated that the Red Sox, who are on a 10-game win streak, probably don't need to aim for a No. 2 pitcher to form a duo with Crochet. Moreover, Rosenthal predicts that the Red Sox will be looking to reunite manager Alex Cora with veteran starting pitcher Charlie Morton, who spent two seasons with the Astros. "[Boston are] only three games out in the AL East, and a couple of weeks ago, things might have looked differently in terms of what they needed as well," Rosenthal said. "I would have said then a number two starter behind Garrett Crochet, but the way Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito have pitched in recent weeks, maybe they don't need to aim quite that high. Advertisement "And I'll give you one name that might be interesting for them: Charlie Morton. Horrible start to the season, but in his last 59 innings, 3.05 ERA. He and Alex Cora know each other from Houston, 2017, so a starting pitcher is clearly one thing that they need." Following a drama-filled first half, Boston will look for a much smoother second half and one that ends with them punching their ticket to the postseason.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Who replaces Jackson Jobe in Detroit Tigers' rotation? Watch for Sawyer Gipson-Long
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Detroit Tigers need another starting pitcher after right-hander Jackson Jobe landed on the 15-day injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow, which is expected to sideline him for at least one month. Help is on the way. Advertisement Right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long is one candidate — and possibly the preferred candidate — to start Tuesday, June 3, against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, taking Jobe's spot in the rotation. For the opening, the Tigers will not activate injured starters Reese Olson or Alex Cobb. "The closest to the big leagues is Sawyer, just given where he's at in his buildup and what he's done to date," said manager A.J. Hinch, adding Olson isn't throwing all of his pitches in bullpens yet. "He's really the only candidate of the guys you mentioned that would be under consideration." MORE ABOUT HIM: Tigers' Sawyer Gipson-Long has two journals, a nasty changeup and a bright future Detroit Tigers pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long walks into the room for picture day of spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. Gipson-Long is recovering from right elbow and left hip surgery. Advertisement But Gipson-Long has already completed five starts during his rehab assignment, whereas Olson (right ring finger inflammation) needs at least one rehab start and Cobb (right hip inflammation) needs multiple rehab starts. Gipson-Long made his latest rehab start Thursday, May 29, with Triple-A Toledo, throwing 53 pitches over 5⅓ innings. He has thrown more than 45 pitches in each of his past three rehab starts, including more than 50 in his past two starts. In Thursday's start, Gipson-Long allowed one run on one hit and zero walks with five strikeouts. His sinker averaged 91.5 mph, and his changeup generated a 50% whiff rate. "It's nice to see him on the mound again," Hinch said. "He was very aggressive. His pitches were really good. His spring training build up, getting out of rehab and into competition, has been a work in progress. The stuff played great." Advertisement SHUT DOWN: Tigers rookie Jackson Jobe suffers right elbow injury, expected to return in 2025 The Tigers have an opening for Tuesday's game. Until then, the Tigers are covered with their four healthy starting pitchers: Casey Mize on Friday, May 30, Tarik Skubal on Saturday, May 31, Keider Montero on Sunday, June 1, and Jack Flaherty on Monday, June 2. Gipson-Long will join the Tigers on Saturday at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City — not to play against the Royals but to throw a bullpen in front of pitching coach Chris Fetter and assistant pitching coaches Robin Lund and Juan Nieves. "And then we can make a determination of what's next for him," Hinch said. Advertisement [ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Detroit Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ] Pitchers are limited to 30 days on rehab assignment. Gipson-Long made his first rehab start May 8, which means he must join the Tigers or be optioned to Triple-A Toledo by June 7. He hasn't taken the mound in an MLB game since September 2023, when he registered a 2.70 ERA with eight walks and 26 strikeouts across 20 innings in four starts. He then underwent Tommy John surgery on April 22, 2024, and hip surgery on July 9, 2024. The other option for Tuesday's game if it's not Gipson-Long is 'pitching chaos.' Advertisement "We'll have to talk about Tuesday," Hinch said. "That will create some conversations about how to go about it, whether it's a starter, whether it's a bullpen day. We have time before the next series." Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@ or follow him @EvanPetzold. Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at Order your copy of 'Roar of 125: The Epic History of the Detroit Tigers!' by the Free Press at This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Sawyer Gipson-Long could replace injured Jackson Jobe
