Cubs' Cade Horton is just focused on preparing for the season — but could he start Opening Day?

MESA, Ariz. — Cubs right-hander Cade Horton’s task this spring training is far different from previous years. Just last year he was focused on cleaning up his mechanics, with the hope of laying a foundation for a future call-up.

This year, spring training is simply a time to build up and prepare for the season. Horton is not only penciled into the rotation, but his elite second-half performance in 2025 put him in a strong position to compete for the Opening Day starter nod.

“It's obviously...