Bailey Horn Bio
Bailey Christian Tant Horn is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). The left-hander began his professional career after being selected in the 2020 MLB Draft and has since appeared at the major league level with both the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers. Horn brings a power arm to the bullpen and has demonstrated the ability to record outs at the minor league level across multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
Bailey Horn was born on January 15, 1998, in West, Texas. He attended West High School in his hometown, where he developed into a standout baseball player. During his high school career, Horn was a key contributor to back-to-back 3A State Championship teams in 2015 and 2016. His success at the high school level set the foundation for his progression to the collegiate ranks.
Following high school, Horn continued his baseball development at the collegiate level. He played for McLennan Community College, where he competed in the 2017 NJCAA World Series. Horn then transferred to Auburn University, where he played for the Tigers and appeared in the 2019 College World Series. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to perform on big stages and attract professional attention.
Path to Professional Baseball
After his time at Auburn University, Horn entered the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft. The Chicago White Sox selected him in the fifth round, with the 142nd overall selection. Being drafted by an MLB franchise marked the beginning of his professional career and provided the opportunity to pursue his dream of reaching the major leagues.
Horn made his professional debut in 2021 with the Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, the White Sox affiliate at that level. He also appeared for the High-A Winston-Salem Dash during that inaugural professional season. The early minor league experience allowed him to refine his stuff against professional hitters and establish his repertoire as a potential big league arm.
Bailey Horn Career
Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs (2021-2023)
On July 29, 2021, the Chicago White Sox traded Horn to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Ryan Tepera. He joined the Cubs organization and finished the 2021 season with the High-A South Bend Cubs, where he posted a 4.98 earned run average with 24 strikeouts across seven games, including four starts.
Horn split the 2022 campaign between the Double-A Tennessee Smokies and Triple-A Iowa Cubs. In 33 relief appearances, he registered a cumulative 2.79 earned run average with 74 strikeouts and four saves over 51 and two-thirds innings pitched. He continued his development as a relief pitcher and showed the ability to get outs at the upper levels of the minor leagues.
During the 2023 season, Horn split time between the Double-A Tennessee Smokies and Triple-A Iowa Cubs. Across 45 relief outings, he accumulated a 7-3 record and a 4.21 earned run average with 78 strikeouts across 62 innings. His performance during the 2023 campaign earned him recognition from the Cubs organization, which added Horn to their 40-man roster on November 14, 2023, to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
Return to Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox (2024)
On February 27, 2024, Horn was traded back to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Matthew Thompson. He reported to Triple-A Charlotte to begin the 2024 season but struggled significantly, posting an 11.32 earned run average across nine games. The White Sox designated Horn for assignment on April 26, 2024.
The Boston Red Sox acquired Horn from the White Sox on April 30, 2024, in exchange for cash considerations. He was assigned to Triple-A Worcester to continue his season. Horn earned his first major league promotion on June 28, 2024, and made his MLB debut the following day against the San Diego Padres. With the Red Sox, Horn appeared in 18 games, all in relief, recording a 6.50 earned run average while striking out 13 batters across 18 innings. He earned one win and one loss during his time with Boston.
Detroit Tigers (2025-Present)
On November 22, 2024, Horn was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers. He was designated for assignment later that December following the signing of Gleyber Torres. Horn was claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals on January 9, 2025, and optioned to Triple-A Memphis to begin the season.
However, Horn did not remain with the Cardinals for long. He was designated for assignment following the signing of Phil Maton on March 13, 2025. The Tigers reacquired Horn that same day in exchange for cash considerations, and he was optioned to Triple-A Toledo. Horn made 10 appearances for Detroit, logging an 0-1 record and a 1.59 earned run average with 10 strikeouts across 11 and one-third innings pitched before being placed on the injured list.
Driving Style and Strengths
Horn operates as a power left-handed reliever from the bullpen. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he complements it with secondary offerings designed to generate swings and misses. His ability to pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen provides flexibility for managers seeking late-inning options or bridge arms between the starting pitcher and closer.
Bailey Horn Career Wins
Across his professional career spanning from 2021 through 2025, Horn has accumulated wins at the minor league level while also recording one major league victory during his time with the Boston Red Sox in 2024. His professional record demonstrates his ability to contribute as a reliever at various levels of professional baseball.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Horn made his major league debut on June 29, 2024, with the Boston Red Sox against the San Diego Padres. That appearance marked the culmination of his journey from the 2020 draft through the minor leagues. During his time with the Red Sox in 2024, Horn recorded one win and one loss across 18 relief appearances. His best major league performance came while with the Detroit Tigers in 2025, where he posted a 1.59 earned run average across 10 relief appearances before being placed on the injured list.
Minor League Achievements
At the minor league level, Horn compiled notable numbers across multiple organizations. His standout season came in 2022 with the Cubs system, when he posted a 2.79 earned run average with 74 strikeouts and four saves between Double-A and Triple-A. In 2023, he earned seven wins across 45 relief appearances while registering 78 strikeouts at the Triple-A level.
| Series | Wins | Losses | ERA | Strikeouts | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (2024-2025) | 1 | 2 | 4.60 | 23 | 23 |
Bailey Horn Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Born and raised in West, Texas, Horn grew up in a community that valued baseball. His success at West High School, where he helped lead the baseball team to consecutive state championships, demonstrated the competitive drive that would characterize his career. His journey through Texas high school baseball to the collegiate ranks at McLennan Community College and Auburn University reflects the developmental pathway common among professional baseball players.
Personal Life
Horn continues his baseball career as a professional athlete. Information regarding his personal life beyond his athletic career is not extensively available in public sources. His professional trajectory from West, Texas through the college ranks and into professional baseball represents a commitment to the sport that has defined his adult life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Horn joining the St. Louis Cardinals organization after being claimed off waivers in January. However, his time with the Cardinals proved brief as he was designated for assignment in March before being traded back to the Detroit Tigers. Horn appeared in 10 games for the Tigers, showcasing improved results with a 1.59 earned run average before the season was interrupted by injury.
Horn was placed on the 10-day injured list to start the season as he recovered from arthroscopic elbow surgery. He was later moved to the 60-day injured list on April 22, 2026, after experiencing a setback during his rehabilitation assignment. The injury recovery represents a significant challenge in Horn’s career as he works to return to full health and contribute at the major league level.
The Tigers will continue to monitor Horn’s progress as he works through his rehabilitation. When healthy, Horn provides a power left-handed arm from the bullpen with the ability to record strikeouts. His journey through multiple organizations demonstrates his resilience and adaptability as a professional athlete seeking to establish himself at the highest level of baseball.