Cubs' Rotation: Horton's Hype, Taillon's Struggle

0:00On March 23rd, the Chicago Clubs head into the 2026 season as favorites to win the National League Central, with opening day just days away. Their starting rotation looks set, despite a so-so spring training record of 13 wins and 16 losses. Beatwriters confirmed the lineup is locked in for the early games. They opened against the Nationals with Matthew Boyd on the mound for the first game, followed by young Kate Horton and Shota Imanaga. Next up, versus the Angels, are Edward Cabrera and Jameson Taylin, though Taylin skips the majors for a minor league tune-up on Wednesday. Fans are buzzing about Horton, the 22-year-old rookie who dazzled with 14 strikeouts over two starts, averaging about 12 for 9, innings. He's the fresh face everyone wants to see shine right away. The real shocker is Taiyong landing at the bottom of the rotation after a rough spring. The 34-year-old gave up tons of hits, home runs, and earned runs, posting a sky-high earned run average over 17 in just 13, innings.

1:04Hitters feasted on him, batting over 400 against his stuff. That said, Tayyong closed last season on fire, going 4-1 with a 1.60 earned run average in his final six starts. If he rebounds to that form, the Cubs rotation could carry them deep into October and challenge for a title. That's the story for today, MLB News Today, driven by AI.