Cubs’ Ben Brown: Starter or Reliever? A Look at His Future

As the Cubs gear up for the new season, the question on many fans’ minds is whether Ben Brown will find his place as a starter or remain in the bullpen. Brown, a promising pitching prospect acquired from the Phillies in 2022 for David Robertson, made his major league debut in 2024. Since then, he has oscillated between the starting rotation and relief, struggling to establish himself with a 5.26 ERA as a starter and a slightly better 4.79 ERA as a reliever.

Despite his potential, Brown’s career has been marred by inconsistency, even with his impressive strikeout rate and solid control. In a recent analysis by Maddie Landis of Baseball Prospectus, it was noted that Brown’s struggles stem from being a two-pitch pitcher. His fastball, which averages around 96 miles per hour, has proven to be too predictable, often catching too much of the plate. While his knuckle-curve has the potential to be elite, its effectiveness is diminished without a reliable third pitch, making it easy for hitters to anticipate his offerings.

Landis suggests that if Brown can develop his sinker into a reliable weapon, he could have the potential of a number-two starter. A good third pitch would keep hitters guessing, allowing him to leverage his fastball and curveball more effectively. Currently, Brown does have a changeup in his arsenal, but its lack of effectiveness has led him to rarely use it.

The Cubs’ starting rotation is already crowded, with names like Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, Shōta Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon all slated to start the season. With Justin Steele expected back by Memorial Day, it seems likely that Brown will begin the season in the bullpen. However, the dynamics of a season can change quickly; injuries are an ever-present reality in baseball. Taillon’s recent struggles in Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic raise questions about his readiness, while Imanaga’s challenges toward the end of last season could open the door for Brown if he performs well in relief.

Ultimately, the question remains whether Brown will be more valuable as a starter or a reliever in the long run. As fans look ahead to 2026, it will be fascinating to see how the Cubs manage his development and what role he will ultimately play in the team’s pitching plans.

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Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.