The Chicago Cubs continue to view Ben Brown as a key starting pitcher heading into the 2026 season, despite his struggles in 2025. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy underscored this outlook during his appearance on 670 The Score’s Inside the Clubhouse last Saturday, emphasizing that Brown possesses the potential to become an established major-league starter.
Strong Strikeout Ability and Promising Pitch Arsenal Highlight Brown’s Potential
Since joining the Cubs in 2022 as part of a trade that sent David Robertson to the Phillies, Ben Brown has showcased flashes of exceptional talent. Over his 40 major-league appearances and 162 innings, he has demonstrated a fastball capable of reaching the upper 90s and a sharp breaking ball, recording a 25.6% strikeout rate while limiting walks to just 6.8% in 2025. These metrics illustrate his ability to dominate hitters when executing his pitches effectively.
Challenges with Velocity and Pitch Variety Have Limited Brown’s Effectiveness
Despite these strengths, Brown’s fastball tends to lose its efficacy when velocity drops below 97 mph, becoming easier for hitters to make solid contact due to the pitch’s shape and his high arm slot. Maintaining this high velocity has proven difficult over extended outings as a starter, contributing to a 5.92 ERA last season. Additionally, Brown’s repertoire has largely resembled that of a reliever, lacking a reliable third pitch necessary for sustained success in a starting role.
Efforts to Expand Pitch Repertoire Show Signs of Progress
Much of Hottovy’s optimism centers on ongoing work to broaden Brown’s pitching arsenal. The club aims to help him improve his changeup and develop additional pitches to enhance his effectiveness. According to the Cubs pitching coach,
“Our goal is to get him stretched out, continue to develop the changeup, working on a few other pitches, and continue to build out his repertoire and let him go be a dominant pitcher for us,”
highlighting their commitment to his growth.
Breakthrough with New Changeup Variation Offers Hope for Improvement
Recently, Brown has adopted a kick-change pitch reminiscent of the one that helped Jameson Taillon last spring make significant strides. This version of the changeup has shown more promise in terms of consistent execution and movement than Brown’s previous attempts. While it remains uncertain if hitters will chase the pitch often enough to make it fully effective, the success of this pitch may depend significantly on Brown’s ability to command his other offerings, including his fastball and breaking ball.
Potential Pathways for Brown’s Role in the Cubs Organization
With nearly two years of major-league service time, Brown retains a minor-league option year, which grants the Cubs flexibility in his assignment. He could begin the season in Iowa to continue stretching out as an emergency starter, but the team faces a pivotal decision. To maximize Brown’s potential, they must either aid him in reaching starter effectiveness this season, transition him into a relief role where his velocity could be a valuable asset, or consider trading him.
The Stakes for Brown and the Cubs as the New Season Approaches
Hottovy’s belief in Brown is strong but not yet fully justified by results. Brown’s arsenal shows both potential and limitations, with concerns about his fastball’s shape and the scarcity of a pitch with significant horizontal movement. Above all, he needs confidence in a dependable changeup to keep hitters, especially left-handers, off balance. As pitchers and catchers report to spring camp, Brown stands out as an intriguing figure whose success could greatly impact the Cubs’ ambitions for a division title. Should he fail to make substantial progress this year, the window for him to develop into a reliable starter may close permanently.
