Cubs Pitcher Ben Brown Faces Crucial 2026 Season

The 26-year-old right-hander must prove his consistency to secure a long-term role with the team.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown enters the 2026 spring training knowing it could be his last chance to prove himself at the major league level. After struggling with consistency as a starting pitcher last season, posting a 5.92 ERA over 106 innings, Brown is facing a pivotal year where the Cubs must decide how best to utilize his power arm and ability to miss bats.

Why it matters

Brown is a pre-arbitration player, giving the Cubs some flexibility, but with several veteran starters set to hit free agency after this season, the team needs to identify Brown's long-term role. As a pitcher with only one minor league option remaining, the Cubs are running out of time to develop him as a starter, raising questions about whether a bullpen role could be his best path forward.

The details

Brown struck out over 25% of the batters he faced last season, showing the raw stuff that made him a top pitching prospect. However, his lack of a reliable third pitch has allowed hitters to sit on his fastball. The Cubs are considering deploying Brown in a relief role, either as a high-leverage option or in short bursts to maximize his ability to miss bats, as they determine the best way to utilize the 26-year-old moving forward.

  • The 2026 MLB season is less than two weeks away from spring training.
  • Brown has only one minor league option remaining before the Cubs must risk exposing him to waivers.

The players

Ben Brown

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization who has struggled with consistency as a starter but shown the ability to miss bats at the major league level.

Matthew Boyd

A veteran starting pitcher for the Cubs who is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, creating uncertainty around the team's rotation.

Jameson Taillon

Another veteran starting pitcher for the Cubs who is also set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

Shota Imanaga

A third veteran starting pitcher for the Cubs who is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

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What’s next

The Cubs will evaluate Brown's performance and role during spring training, with the possibility of keeping him stretched out at Triple-A Iowa to open the season as they determine the best way to utilize his power arm and ability to miss bats.

The takeaway

Ben Brown's future with the Cubs is at a crossroads, as the team must decide whether to continue developing him as a starter or shift him to a relief role to maximize his strengths. With limited options remaining and several veteran starters set to depart, the 2026 season will be a crucial one for Brown to prove his value and secure a long-term role with the organization.