PROSPECT: Cade Horton, SP, Chicago Cubs
ANALYSIS: The two biggest surprises in the top 10 of last summer's draft were the Rangers picking Kumar Rocker third and the Cubs snagging Horton with the seventh overall selection. Many believed that Horton's record-setting performance in the College World Series final with 13 strikeouts put him on the map for an early selection despite minimal college mound time due to Tommy John surgery.
Adding a cutter led to Horton's late-season college run that pushed his draft stock into the top 10 in the draft. Horton spent most of his time in the infield, though he wasn't really a draft prospect at the plate.
The Cubs started Horton at Low-A this season after he missed a number of weeks due to the Cubs easing him in as the 2022 season was his first back from Tommy John. He had a couple of rough starts upon his promotion to High-A, but over the last month, he's posted a 2.12 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and an astonishing 33/3 K/BB across 17 innings.
VERDICT: Horton's stuff is incredible, to say the least. He's got a future as a top-shelf starter or dominant closer, though with his arm health in question, where he'll end up is still in question. Certainly, he should be owned in any dynasty league, but he's far enough away that ownership in redraft is not needed...yet.
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