Ranking the 5 Chicago Cubs players most likely to have a breakout season

1. RHP Ben Brown

Now that Ben Brown has recovered from his osteoma issue from last season, the path is wide open for him to succeed in MLB. Before the injury ended his 2024 campaign prematurely, Brown already looked like an emerging force in the starting rotation. The slender right-hander compiled a solid 3.58 ERA over 15 appearances (8 starts) with 64 strikeouts, and WHIP of 1.08.

Brown had this success while primarily using only a fastball and knuckle curve combination, but he is also working on expanding his arsenal with a changeup. If he can develop the offspeed delivery into a legitimate third option, Brown's potential as a starter will increase even more.

Since his osteoma was apparently a one-time issue and he is looking to diversify his pitch mix, Brown is the most likely candidate to excel and build on his prior success. There will be ample opportunity as well with Javier Assad landing on the injured list to begin 2025. If Brown doesn't begin the season as the team's fifth starter, he will be next in line if someone goes down with an injury.