Cubs 26-Year-Old Named Out-of-Nowhere Breakout Candidate

The Chicago Cubs are entering the 2026 season with high hopes after a busy offseason that featured two major acquisitions, setting the stage for a competitive run at the National League Central title. While their offense was already formidable in the previous season, the addition of Alex Bregman at third base promises to further strengthen the lineup. However, it’s not just the batters that the Cubs are focusing on. After an inconsistent season for their starting rotation, the Cubs have set their sights on their pitchers to step up and make a difference.

One such player who’s flying under the radar but could make a surprising impact this season is 26-year-old right-hander Ben Brown. Despite struggling in 2025, posting a negative-1.6 bWAR, Brown has been named as a potential breakout candidate by a team insider, and this designation has caught the attention of Cubs fans and analysts alike.

Cubs’ Pitching Woes: Searching for Solutions

The Cubs had one of the best offenses in Major League Baseball last season, but their pitching staff has been a recurring issue. While they have added talent, like former Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera, to help bolster the rotation, they’re still counting on several pitchers who have underperformed in recent years. The Cubs will need these arms to improve if they hope to compete for the NL Central crown.

Despite the acquisitions, the Cubs’ pitching staff remains a major point of concern. The rotation has been inconsistent at times, leading the front office to focus on improving depth and finding potential hidden gems within their own system. Enter Ben Brown, who, although not part of the primary conversation regarding the Cubs’ future pitching staff, could emerge as a surprise contributor.

The Case for Ben Brown: Dominant When He’s On

Ben Brown’s 2025 season was far from spectacular, as evidenced by his negative bWAR, but when he’s on, he has the potential to be a game-changer. According to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, Brown has the stuff to dominate when he’s at his best, but he has struggled with consistency. That inconsistency has led to him flying under the radar, despite his obvious potential.

Bastian believes that Brown’s potential could be realized in a different role. While he may be on the fringes of the rotation heading into spring training, there’s a possibility that Brown could be used out of the bullpen, similar to his role in the second half of 2025. This move would allow him to focus on getting outs in shorter stints, and if he thrives in that environment, it could open doors for a larger role moving forward.

Bastian is not the only one who sees potential in Brown. Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy also believes in Brown’s ability to make an impact on the mound. Hottovy’s endorsement adds weight to the notion that the Cubs still view Brown as a potential asset, even if he’s not currently in the conversation for a spot in the rotation.

The Development of Brown: From Starter to Potential Reliever

As the Cubs prepare for the 2026 season, it’s likely that Brown will start the year at Triple-A Iowa. This would allow him to continue developing his game while also providing the Cubs with depth at the major league level. However, even if he begins the season in the minors, there’s a strong possibility that he’ll get a chance to prove himself at the big league level sooner rather than later.

Starting at Triple-A would give Brown the opportunity to work on refining his mechanics and consistency. With a dominant fastball and the ability to generate swings and misses, Brown’s raw stuff makes him a potential weapon for the Cubs, whether in the rotation or out of the bullpen. While he’s not guaranteed a spot in the Cubs’ Opening Day roster, his ability to turn it around could make him an unexpected contributor to the team.

The Cubs’ decision to give Brown a shot at a more prominent role could come down to how he performs in spring training and whether or not the Cubs see his potential as a reliable arm. If he’s able to harness his stuff and put together a consistent stretch of performances, he could find himself back in the conversation for a spot in the rotation.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ben Brown?

So, what can we expect from Ben Brown in 2026? The Cubs have already made it clear that they’re keeping an eye on him, and with the pitching staff needing all the help it can get, it’s not out of the question that Brown could emerge as one of the team’s surprise contributors this season. He may not be the first name that comes to mind when talking about the Cubs’ pitching staff, but his potential is undeniable.

The Cubs will likely give Brown the opportunity to prove himself, whether it’s in the bullpen or as a starter at some point during the season. The important thing is that he has the tools to be successful, and the Cubs believe he can be an impact player if he finds his rhythm. Whether he starts the year in the minors or on the big league roster, Brown will be looking to make his mark and show the Cubs’ front office that they were right to hold onto him.

As the Cubs push toward a National League Central title, Brown’s emergence could be a crucial piece in their quest for success. With depth in the bullpen and potential upside as a starter, he could turn into a key contributor as the season progresses.

For now, Cubs fans will be watching closely to see how Ben Brown fares in spring training and whether he can live up to the breakout potential that has been predicted for him. While he may have flown under the radar in previous seasons, 2026 could be the year that Brown finally gets the opportunity to shine in Chicago.

The Cubs’ Long-Term Vision

Ben Brown’s situation is a testament to the Cubs’ overall approach of seeking out under-the-radar talent and developing them into valuable contributors. The Cubs have shown that they’re not afraid to give players a second chance or try different roles to get the best out of their pitchers. As the team continues to look for answers in their rotation and bullpen, Ben Brown represents a wildcard option that could pay significant dividends if he’s able to unlock his full potential.

For now, the Cubs will likely give Brown every opportunity to prove he belongs at the major league level. Whether as a reliever or as a starter, the team is hoping that Brown can make the most of his opportunity and become a breakout candidate in 2026. With the right adjustments and a bit of luck, he could very well be one of the surprises that helps propel the Cubs toward a division title