Ben Brown's spring training debut proves why he could make Cubs' Opening Day roster

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown is coming off a rough 2025 season, but Monday's Cactus League debut showed why the team is far from giving up on him.

Brown needed only 30 pitches to navigate two innings against the Kansas City Royals, striking out three and walking no one. Although he surrendered a pair of singles in the first inning, he was able to work through the damage and set down the side in order in the second. His fastball touched 98 MPH and his curveball had bite to it.

He has always featured a high-velocity fastball that can touch the upper 90s and a deadly knuckle curveball, an arsenal that gives him immense potential in the big leagues. But he's never been able to fully capitalize on his major league opportunities with the Cubs. Brown's promising 2024 season got derailed after a rare neck injury sidelined him for the season in July.

Chicago leaned on Brown as a starter at the beginning of 2025, partially because of injuries to the rotation. But the right-hander was unable to stay there once others like Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon were healthy. Brown was optioned back and forth between Triple-A Iowa multiple times down the stretch, and he finished the season with disappointing numbers, including a 5.92 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and .279 batting average against.

Will Ben Brown finally prove himself in 2026?

Time is running out for Brown to make a statement. He only has one minor league option remaining on his contract, so this season feels like a do-or-die for him. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy even alluded to the fact that Brown should be an established big-leaguer right now.

Even though there is a lot of uncertainty, the team obviously still believes in him because they haven't traded him or designated him for assignment. He is still here and can be a contributor, as we saw in his first appearance of the young spring.

Monday marked a sharp start to the season for the 26-year-old and an early confidence boost in his quest to crack the Opening Day roster. After the Cubs completely rebuilt their bullpen with a flurry of offseason signings and the rotation features ample starting pitching depth, it won't be easy for Brown to stand out. But hopefully, he can finally find his groove and live up to his potential, whether as a starter of full-time reliever.