Cubs Pitcher Ben Brown Impresses in Early Relief Appearances

The 26-year-old right-hander shows signs of potential breakout season in 2026.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34pm

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Cubs pitcher Ben Brown has turned heads with his strong performances in long relief to start the 2026 season, despite the team's losses. In 6 2/3 innings across two games, Brown has allowed just two runs, struck out eight batters, and walked only two, showcasing improved command and the development of a new sinker pitch.

Why it matters

Brown has long been considered a pitcher with high potential, but has struggled at times as a starter due to issues with hard contact and locating his fastball. His early success in a relief role could signal a potential breakout season for the 26-year-old, providing a boost to the Cubs' pitching staff.

The details

Brown battled for the final spot in the Cubs' bullpen during Spring Training and won the job over other candidates. He has been able to consistently pound the strike zone, throwing 39 strikes out of 50 total pitches in his most recent outing. Brown's four-seam fastball has seen a significant increase in strike percentage and decrease in hard-hit rate compared to last season. He has also introduced a new sinker pitch that has already generated two strikeouts. These improvements, along with the continued effectiveness of his curveball, have allowed Brown to find more success inducing chases from opposing hitters.

  • Brown made his first appearance of the 2026 season in the Cubs' 10-4 loss to the Nationals on Opening Day.
  • Brown's second appearance came in the Cubs' 2-0 loss to the Angels on Monday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Ben Brown

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. Brown has shown promising stuff, including a high-velocity fastball and a unique breaking ball, but has struggled at times as a starter.

Javier Assad

A pitcher who competed with Ben Brown for the final spot in the Cubs' bullpen during Spring Training 2026.

Clay Holmes

A pitcher for the New York Mets who taught Ben Brown a new sinker pitch during the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Well, the 26-year-old pelted the strike zone Monday night in a scoreless appearance. He threw 39 strikes among 50 total pitches, inducing nine whiffs -- five on the four-seamer, three on the curveball and one on a new sinker that he's showing some confidence in.”

— Max Ralph, Author

What’s next

If Brown can continue to build on his early success in the bullpen, he could earn more opportunities to start games for the Cubs later in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Ben Brown's strong start to the 2026 season in a relief role for the Cubs has shown promising signs that the 26-year-old right-hander could be poised for a breakout campaign, providing a boost to the team's pitching staff with his improved command and the addition of a new sinker pitch.