The Chicago Cubs are in a serious pitching predicament. Ten Cubs pitchers have entered free company, with 5 of them being starters.
This leaves Javier Assad as the one wholesome pitcher on the roster with beginning expertise. The Cubs are anticipated to be energetic on the pitching market throughout this robust time. And it could worsen with a regarding harm replace to one among their starters.
Ben Brown, who didn’t play after June on account of a lingering neck harm, nonetheless hasn’t been cleared to throw, in keeping with Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. Surgical procedure has not been dominated out, per Sharma.
Extra On Chicago Cubs’ Ben Brown
The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Brown within the thirty third spherical of the 2017 MLB Draft out of highschool. In 2022, the Phillies traded him to the Cubs in change for nearer David Robertson.
Brown made his MLB debut in 2024, pitching in 15 video games (55.1 innings), whereas recording a 3.58 ERA. Nonetheless, he took a serious step again in 2025 with a 5.92 ERA in 25 video games (106.1 innings). Whereas he gave up quite a lot of hits and residential runs, the stuff was plain, and he racked up a ton of strikeouts.
In 2026, Brown broke out with a 1.85 ERA in 20 video games (68 innings). Whereas he labored primarily as a reliever through the season, Brown began his closing eight appearances, giving up simply eight runs in 42.1 innings.
He didn’t pitch after June 19 and is sidelined indefinitely whereas he awaits additional medical recommendation. With the exodus of Cubs pitching (Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Colin Rea, David Peterson, Caleb Thielbar, Hunter Harvey, Trent Thornton and Aaron Civale), it is a less-than-ideal consequence for the staff.
However who have they got ready within the wings if Brown’s harm is extra extreme than beforehand anticipated?
What’s The Backup Plan?
The Cubs are skinny on wholesome pitchers. Cade Horton is recovering from early-season Tommy John surgical procedure, Braxton Garrett has pitched in simply 10 video games since 2024 on account of harm, Edward Cabrera struggled in his first season in Chicago and Justin Steele hasn’t pitched since early 2025.
This leaves room for fairly just a few exterior additions within the rotation and bullpen. Horton will return to the rotation when wholesome, however that may not be till the summer season of 2027. Garrett may not make the key league roster on account of his accidents and poor play when wholesome.
Cabrera will doubtless have a swing function as he did late final 12 months. Nonetheless, his 5.96 ERA in 2026 might give the staff pause, alongside together with his harm historical past. Steele was in consideration to return late in 2026, however setbacks stunted his return. He’ll doubtless be within the rotation out of the gate in 2027.
In the meantime, loads of free agent starters can fill in for Brown, corresponding to Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta and Michael King. Nonetheless, the Cubs should be keen to spend on them. We’ll see if Jed Hoyer will get a giant fish to switch the shortage of pitching depth.
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