Some grades.
CBS:
7. Cubs: Cade Horton, RHP, Oklahoma
Horton had a phenomenal June for the Sooners, causing his stock to shoot up after the publication of our top 30 rankings. Those are the breaks sometimes. He has a big-time power arm, though none of the scouts or evaluators who spoke to CBS Sports were sold on him sticking in a rotation. The Cubs taking him this early, then, is a steep gamble, albeit one that may end up looking brilliant. Grade: C
BR:
Grade: C
Between Horton's limited collegiate success and the Cubs' abysmal recent track record developing pitching, this is a tough one to understand. It looks an awful lot like what the Kansas City Royals did picking at No. 7 overall last year when they reached for Frank Mozzicato to save money for later in the draft, so stay tuned.
Sporting News:
7. Cubs — Cade Horton, RHP, Oklahoma
Grade: B
Horton struggled mightily through the first half of the Oklahoma season, but he picked it up late and was as dynamic as anyone during the Sooners' College World Series final run. His fastball reaches the upper 90s and his slider is a filthy out-pitch. He also offers a solid curveball and a serviceable changeup. The Cubs are thinking that what he did in the College World Series is the type of pitching prospect he'll be in the system. More risk than most college arms taken this early, but plenty of upside.
ESPN:
7. Chicago Cubs: Cade Horton, RHP, Oklahoma
Who is Horton? A late riser on draft boards, Cade Horton was dominant on the mound during Oklahoma's College World Series run capped by a MCWS final-record 13-strikeout outing against eventual champion Ole Miss in Omaha. Before being sidelined due to Tommy John surgery, Horton arrived at Oklahoma a local product of Norman High as one of the nation's most heralded recruits in 2020 as a two-way star on the diamond and also as a quarterback.
Why the Cubs took him here: The view of Horton changed dramatically for the better after his strong postseason performance for the Sooners. Teams don't usually draft for need, but it's also true the Cubs system is stronger in position player prospects and weaker in starting pitching prospects (especially in the upper levels). It appears the Cubs were focused on getting a pitcher. -- Schoenfield