Ben Brown‘s breakout season has quickly become one of the best stories for the Chicago Cubs in 2026. The team had a promising start before injuries and poor performances threatened to derail the season. They have been desperate for ways to snap out of the May slump, but very little has worked. While this is the case, there has been one bright spot. Since coming out of the bullpen, Brown has been elite as a starter. Unfortunately, this has contributed to the bullpen’s struggles, but it is worth it to help stabilize the rotation.
Behind Ben Brown’s Breakout
Since joining the organization, Brown has always been one of the Cubs pitchers with the highest potential. In the spring, he was often one of the key pitchers to watch, with the hope that he could become a strong option. One of the biggest things sparking Ben Brown’s breakout season is that he has revamped his pitch arsenal. During the offseason, he met with Clay Holmes to work on his sinker. This has gone a long way in helping expand his options, while also making it harder for hitters to predict his next move.
Ben Brown surrendered 18 HR in 106.1 IP last season.
Through 44.2 IP this year, he’s allowed just one HR, tied for the fewest among pitchers with at least 40 IP.
A revamped arsenal has him performing among the game’s best, posting a 2.01 ERA with 47 Ks so far. pic.twitter.com/mHmueIkjS6
— Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) May 26, 2026
Another thing that has contributed to his improvements is his ability to maintain consistency. He has dramatically cut down on homers and runs allowed. Additionally, his third pitch has boosted his strikeout numbers. He is already at 47 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings. Last season, he had 121 in 106 1/3 innings. This has made it hard for hitters to get anything going. Also, it keeps the ball in the infield. When combining this with the Cubs’ elite defense, it is a recipe for success.
The Importance of Ben Brown’s Breakout Season
Anytime a team can build up a pitcher like Brown, it is great, as you can never have too many pitchers. However, Ben Brown’s breakout season means a lot more than that for the Cubs. The rest of the National League Central is full of young talent at the pitching position. For example, the Pittsburgh Pirates have Paul Skenes, the Cincinnati Reds have Chase Burns, and the Milwaukee Brewers have Jacob Misiorowski. Those three all have shown amazing potential this season and are set for successful careers. If Brown can keep this up, it ensures the Cubs have high-quality young pitching to contend with the rest of the division.
Ben Brown since moving into the starting rotation:
19 IP
1.89 ERA
0.95 WHIP
.171 AVG
29.9 K%
23 K | 6 BBBrown has been a key piece to the Cubs’ pitching staff this season! 🐻 pic.twitter.com/WopaLhNrXR
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) May 25, 2026
Another reason that Ben Brown’s breakout season is important is that the Cubs’ starting rotation has shown promise, but has struggled with consistency and injuries. Coming into the season, Justin Steele was injured, and it is still unknown when he will return. Cade Horton had his season ended within the first few weeks of the season. Matthew Boyd was next when he went down with a knee injury, although he should return in the next few weeks. Finally, Edward Cabrera recently went on the injured list with a blister on his middle finger.
Injuries have not been the only thing to derail the season. Shota Imanaga has struggled recently and has not been consistent enough to rely on as the top pitcher on the team. Jameson Taillon has allowed 17 home runs, which is the most in the league. Colin Rea has struggled to limit opponents and has a 4.83 ERA. Brown, playing like an elite starter, helps solidify the team as the rest of the unit looks to rebound. Without him, it would be hard to say that you can trust anyone in the rotation.
Last Word on Ben Brown’s Breakout Season
Ben Brown’s breakout season has quickly become one of the biggest reasons for optimism in Chicago. If he can keep up this level of play, then the Cubs may have found someone who can be in the rotation for a long time. However, even if he can not keep up these strong numbers beyond this year, having a strong 2026 is what matters the most. Throughout all of the injuries and poor play, Brown is one of the few bright spots for the team over the past few weeks. The NL Central is not getting any easier, but this breakout season goes a long way in keeping the Cubs competitive.
Main Photo Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images
