The announcement was made Monday night at Wrigley Field, just hours after Horton completed one of his best performances of the season: 7 scoreless innings, 10 strikeouts, just 2 hits. When asked about his chances of winning the AL Rookie of the Year award, the 23-year-old pitcher didn’t talk about himself, but looked up at the stands where kids in Cubs jerseys were holding signs that read “We Believe in You, Cade!”
“It reminds me how lucky I am to only have to fight on the field, while there are kids who have to fight every day,” Horton said. “If I can turn my win into something that gives them confidence, it’s all worth it.”
According to ESPN Chicago, Cade Horton plans to donate his entire $500,000 bonus and signing bonus to Lurie Children’s Hospital — one of the city’s leading pediatric cancer centers. A hospital representative confirmed that they had received an official commitment from the Cubs player and expressed their deep gratitude:
“We were moved to tears to know that a young athlete was thinking of the children more than his personal fame. Cade’s actions were not just a sum of money, but a gift of faith.”
Since the beginning of the season, Horton has emerged as a special phenomenon in MLB: an ERA of only 2.63, 172 strikeouts in 150 innings, and incredible ball control. He has become a key factor in the Cubs’ revival in 2025, helping the team climb to the playoffs. Although he only made his MLB debut in April, Horton quickly won the hearts of fans not only for his talent, but also for his humble and kind demeanor.
Head coach Craig Counsell shared:
“Cade has a spirit you can’t teach — he throws the ball with all his heart. When he talked about donating, no one in the locker room could say a word. Everyone was in tears.”
Soon after the interview, Cubs social media exploded. Thousands of fans left touching comments: “He’s not just Rookie of the Year, he’s Person of the Year.” One account wrote: “If there’s any justice in sports, Cade deserves every award and more.”
On Instagram, Horton posted a photo of himself standing with a group of children during a hospital visit last month, with the simple caption:
“I promised that if I had the chance, I would do something meaningful. Now is the time to make good on that promise.”
When asked what he would do if he didn’t win Rookie of the Year, Cade Horton smiled:
“I would still visit the kids. I would still help. Blessings are unconditional.”
In a sports world that is sometimes caught up in the glory and fame, the 23-year-old rookie’s words resonate like a ray of light. The Rookie of the Year trophy may be a dream, but what Cade Horton did – giving faith and kindness – may have made him a real winner today.
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