Cubs coach says the quiet part out loud about Ben Brown before 2026 spring training

One of the goals for the Chicago Cubs during spring training should be identify what Ben Brown's role will be on the major league roster. There's no guarantee that Brown breaks camp on the Opening Day roster, but after serving mostly as an up-and-down arm in 2025, Brown's future with the Cubs appears to be at a crossroads.

Given the swing-and-miss stuff that Brown has, there's been speculation that he could serve in a short-burst role while pitching out of the bullpen. That may not be the plan that the Cubs have outlined for Brown.

Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy appeared on 104.3 The Score over the weekend, and didn't exactly pull punches when he said, "Ben Brown should be an established starting pitcher". The indication from Hottovy's interview is that the Cubs plan to use Brown as a starting pitcher this season, and it stems from their work in helping the 26-year-old develop a changeup.

Ben Brown's role with Cubs takes twist after coach's candid moment

Assuming the Cubs want to keep Brown stretched out, that likely takes him out of the mix for a spot on the 26-man roster to open the season.

With Justin Steele starting the season on the IL, the Cubs' rotation will consist of Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga at the start. With Colin Rea in the bullpen, there's the potential for the Cubs to use a six-man rotation during the first month of the season.

Though with the off days factored in during the opening month of the season, the Cubs shouldn't feel compelled to use a six-man rotation right away.

Assuming the final spot in the bullpen goes to Javier Assad or one of the non-roster invites, the indication is that Brown will be with Triple-A Iowa upon the conclusion of spring training.

Looking beyond this season, there's a clear reason why the Cubs aren't giving up on the experiment of Ben Brown as a starting pitcher. Taillon, Imanga, and Boyd are all free agents next offseason, and the Cubs' farm system isn't exactly flush with pitching prospects.

At the moment, Brown may have the appearance of a pitcher without a true role, but the Cubs likely are eyeing him as a rotation option in 2027. Of course, that is dependent on his ability to develop a third pitch.