CHICAGO -- There will be a time for the Cubs to determine how Ben Brown fits into the pitching staff next season. For now, the priority will be giving the pitcher time to heal and return from a surgical procedure to address a recurring neck issue.
On Tuesday at the General Managers’ Meetings in Las Vegas, Cubs GM Carter Hawkins noted that Brown underwent cervical spine surgery on Monday to stabilize the stress fracture in his neck. While Brown’s timetable for return is not entirely clear, the Cubs anticipate the righty coming back at some point in 2027.
“This isn’t something that was usual or a normal type of surgery,” Hawkins told reporters in Las Vegas. “But at the same time, we are very confident that he’s going to pitch for us next year.”
This adds another layer to an offseason that already had pitching as the primary focus for the Cubs’ front office.
As things stand, Chicago’s entire rotation to end the season – Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes and David Peterson – are among the ballclub’s long list of free agents. The North Siders may look to re-sign one or two from that group, but will also be exploring both the free-agent and trade markets for starting pitching.
Internally, Javier Assad represents the lone returning arm coming off a healthy season for the Cubs. Edward Cabrera dealt with multiple injury setbacks. Justin Steele did not pitch in the Majors while working his way back from arm issues. Cade Horton underwent right elbow surgery in April. Braxton Garrett spent ‘26 building back up after elbow surgery the previous year.
Brown already had question marks surrounding him as well, given that the neck issues ended his season in June. Now, there is even more uncertainty hovering over his situation.
“It’s no secret how many guys are coming off our books from a free-agent perspective,” Hawkins said, “and then there’s uncertainty around the injuries. So, I think we’re looking to bring in several arms. Now, we’ve got guys who need to step up who are currently with our club. There’s no secret about that, either. But yeah, we’ll be active in that market.”
Brown was in the midst of a breakout campaign before the neck troubles – involving the same area that impacted his ‘24 season – flared up this year.
In 20 games overall, the 27-year-old righty turned in a 1.85 ERA with 65 strikeouts against 19 walks in 68 innings. Brown began the year as a multi-inning reliever, spinning a 2.10 ERA in 12 appearances (25 2/3 innings) before being moved into the rotation. Then, the hard-throwing righty logged a 1.70 ERA in 42 1/3 innings as a starter before landing on the injured list.
Brown added a sinker to his repertoire last offseason, giving him a second fastball to complement an arsenal featuring a four-seamer, knuckle-curve and an altered changeup. His ground-ball rate ticked up to 44.6%, while the hard-hit rate dropped to 29.1% from 35.2% in ‘25. Brown’s HR/FB rate also plummeted to 3.3% from 15.5% in ‘25.
After landing on the IL, Brown explained that the issue (initially described as a stress reaction) involved his C5 vertebra in his neck. Following a shut-down period to allow for healing, the pitcher gradually built back up through a throwing program. He was shut down for good in early September when symptoms presented once again.
“The frustrating thing for Ben,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said in September, “is just this is multiple times where this has knocked him out for a long period of time. And that obviously is what is the most frustrating part of it.”
Brown has just been hoping to get to the bottom of the issue once and for all.
“I think the biggest thing is just figuring out how to not let this happen again,” Brown said in June. “I want to pitch five years from now. What does that look like? And that’s the biggest focus right now, is what can we do practically to get on top of the curve here.”
Martin promoted to farm director
Hawkins announced on Tuesday in Las Vegas that Ben Martin, who worked closely with the Cubs’ Major League staff last season, has been promoted to the farm director’s role vacated when Jason Kanzler was hired to be the Mariners’ new manager.
Martin spent last season as an assistant director of Major League development with the Cubs, working closely with players behind the scenes. Alex Bregman, in particular, praised Martin at multiple turns for his help with getting his swing mechanics back on track. Martin, 29, previously held roles throughout the Cubs’ farm system.
“Ben is relatively young in years, but relatively deep in experience,” Hawkins said. “He’s extremely smart, extremely driven, extremely willing to do what he needs to do to help the team win. When I think about a farm director, those types of qualities stand out, so I don’t think we’re going to miss a beat.”