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Cubs' Craig Counsell Sends 10-Word Message to Struggling Pitcher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 4:45 PM ET

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown has not built upon his 2024 success, yet.

After an impressive rookie campaign that saw Brown go 1-3 with a 3.58 ERA, a 3.11 FIP, and 64 strikeouts to 19 walks over 55 and 1/3 innings, eight starts, and 15 appearances, he has struggled to progress.

Brown has appeared in 14 games, 12 of which as a starter, and has seen middling results. He has a 5.71 ERA, a 3.31 FIP, and 83 strikeouts to 23 walks over 69 and 1/3 innings. Brown has had his moments, and the strikeout numbers are encouraging, but too much inconsistency could diminish manager Craig Counsell’s faith in him.

Here is what Counsell had to say after Brown’s latest start, which saw him go five and 2/3 innings with six runs allowed, via Marquee Sports Network:

“He just wasn’t crisp today in terms of the execution.

“I mean, we see him, clearly has the stuff to be successful in the league. But there’s also, that’s a fine line, and if you’re not sharp, and if you’re giving hitters free pitches, then you’re not executing, it’s difficult to survive and to get through lineups without giving up runs,” Counsell added.

There is still more than enough time for Brown to right the ship and earn his stay on this staff. But with Jameson Taillon (3.54 ERA, 4.84 FIP), Matthew Boyd (2.89 ERA, 3.52 FIP), Colin Rea (3.92 ERA, 4.34 FIP), and Shota Imanaga (2.82 ERA, 4.54 FIP), once healthy, not going anywhere, Brown needs to show Chicago more.

Without Justin Steele until at best early 2026, Brown is battling rookie Cade Horton (4.11 ERA, 4.03 FIP) for the final gig. One of Horton, the Cubs’ top pitching prospect, or Brown, could theoretically serve as a long reliever and ease the workload for this bullpen.

Until then, it is up to Brown to find his groove and solidify his role on the team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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