Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Ben Brown has been promoted from the bullpen to the Cubs starting rotation following Matthew Boyd's meniscus injury requiring surgery. Brown has made an impressive transition, delivering dominant performances in his first two starts with 8 scoreless innings, 1 hit allowed, and a 10:2 K:BB ratio. He developed a sinker and changeup in the offseason to complement his elite fastball-curveball combination, addressing previous issues with predictability and pitch sequencing. Brown is being stretched out carefully with pitch counts (45-65 pitches per start) and has posted a 1.60 ERA with a 34:10 K:BB ratio across 14 appearances this season.
Strengths
- + Dominant early rotation performance with 8 scoreless innings in first two starts
- + Developed new pitch arsenal (sinker and changeup) to address previous weaknesses
- + Excellent strikeout rate (34:10 K:BB ratio in 14 appearances)
- + Low ERA (1.60) and batting average against (.057 in May)
- + Sinker inducing weak contact (.217 BA, 82.9 mph exit velo)
- + Manager Craig Counsell expressing confidence in his ability
- + Stepping up during team's injury crisis while Cubs maintain best record in baseball
- + Efficient pitch usage (45-65 pitches for 4 innings)
- + Positive teammate feedback on performance and composure
About
Ben Brown is a sp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
SP
Chicago Cubs
Recent News
Chicago Cubs update: Alex Bregman, Ben Brown, Jacob Webb
May 18, 2026
Cubs 2, Braves 0: Ben Brown and the bullpen get the job done
May 15, 2026
Ha-Seong Kim went 0-for-3 with a strikeout as the Braves were shut out by Ben Brown and a pair of Cubs' relievers on Thursday evening.
May 15, 2026
Ben Brown delivered a dominant performance in a no-decision against the Braves on Thursday night, striking out seven batters over four shutout innings.
May 15, 2026
MLB trends: Ben Brown's new role, Luis Arraez's new skill and how Trevor Megill got his fastball back
May 13, 2026