In his first outing of the 2026 Cactus League season, Ben Brown delivered an efficient performance, throwing 30 pitches over two scoreless innings while limiting the Royals to two hits, issuing no walks, and striking out three batters. Beyond the solid results, the focus was on Brown’s developmental progress, particularly regarding his pitch selection and effectiveness. His latest session offered promising signs that could impact the Cubs’ pitching roster in significant ways.
Development of a New Fastball Variation
During the game, Brown threw 12 curveballs, but what stood out was his shift from his traditional four-seam fastball usage. Of his remaining 18 pitches, only eight were the four-seamer he has relied upon before, while the other 10 were clearly sinkers—or more specifically, two-seamers. These sinkers showed considerable movement toward Brown’s arm side, particularly against right-handed hitters, exhibiting more run than his standard hard fastballs.
Changing the Pitching Profile: A Surprising Addition
This sinker is a notable departure from the slower breaking balls Brown has experimented with in recent years, such as different curveball shapes and changeup styles, which were expected to help him transition into a starter role. Instead, this pitch introduces a new dynamic to his mix. Brown’s sinker is unusual because he delivers it from a high three-quarter arm slot—averaging around 45 degrees—with most sinkers typically thrown from lower arm angles.
High Slot Sinkers Gaining Ground in the Majors
Although hitters normally anticipate four-seam fastballs from such a high arm slot, Brown’s sinker bends that norm by moving significantly to his arm side. The trend of high-arm-slot sinkers is growing, with notable pitchers like José Alvarado of the Phillies and Félix Bautista of the Orioles employing similar techniques. These pitchers have elite velocity and command, making their fastballs nearly unhittable. Brown showed comparable velocity, reaching up to 97 mph during his outing, which gives his sinker the potential to be equally effective.
Strategic Use Against Right-Handed Batters
In this appearance, Brown primarily faced right-handed batters, which likely influenced his decision to deploy fewer cutters or changeups. His use of the sinker as a variation to the four-seamer allowed him to challenge hitters by targeting different parts of the strike zone—commanding the inner half with the sinker and the outer half with the four-seam fastball. This approach, coupled with his curveball, creates multiple layers of deception, though Brown must still demonstrate consistent control over both fastball locations to fully leverage this strategy.
Implications for Brown’s Role in the Cubs’ Pitching Staff
While Brown may not yet be ready to start games full-time, the addition of the sinker could redefine his contributions, especially as a middle or late-inning reliever. If he can maintain his velocity and control while mixing sinkers and four-seamers effectively, Brown has the potential to become a formidable bullpen piece. His curveball, combined with this expanded fastball repertoire, could push him to become the Cubs’ second-most effective reliever behind Daniel Palencia.
Potential Impact and Next Steps for Ben Brown
The presence of this sinker marks a crucial development in Brown’s pitching evolution, signaling greater adaptability and versatility. If he can improve his ability to neutralize left-handed hitters and demonstrate reliable command across his pitches, his value to the Cubs will rise considerably. Whether he eventually settles into a starting role or remains in relief, this newly refined pitch expands his arsenal and could be key to unlocking his significant promise on the mound.
