Acquired in the David Robertson trade with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, RHP Ben Brown has been climbing up the Chicago Cubs system rather quickly. A hiccup during his time in Triple-A Iowa may have cost him a 2023 promotion, but his production in camp in 2024 has been impressive.
The Cubs have many intriguing pitching prospects waiting in the wings. Fans may see the team's top pitching prospect, Cade Horton, promoted sooner rather than later. They also should not forget Brown's name in the mix either.
In Spring Training, Brown's 0.64 ERA is extremely encouraging. At the end of the day it still isn't regular season play, so take it with a grain of salt. But if he can continue to develop the way he has, the Cubs will be in for a big boost this season.
Either as a starter or reliever, Brown figures to contribute for the Cubs when he is eventually called on to do so. It seems he will most likely begin the season in Triple-A Iowa, but his recent performance this spring should help reevaluate how they will handle his time to be called up.
It's hard to imagine how the signing of a veteran reliever halfway through spring training in 2022 could net the Cubs with such a highly-touted prospect in their system.
David Robertson has gone on to have a second life in his career since signing with the Cubs. But given the situation, the team is surely grateful that their eye for bullpen talent has paid off quite handsomely during their rebuild of the farm system.
Like all prospects there is no guarantee for Ben Brown, but if he can prove himself in the major leagues then it is happy days on the North Side.
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