Cubs Are Leaving No Stone Unturned in Their Quest to Get Ben Brown Back on Track

The Chicago Cubs entered the 2025 season with high hopes for their pitching staff, and right-hander Ben Brown was expected to play a key role in their rotation. After a strong showing in 2024, where Brown flashed dominant strikeout stuff and a competitive edge on the mound, expectations were high. But this season has presented a different picture. The 25-year-old has struggled with consistency, command issues, and adapting to more advanced hitters who have learned to exploit his tendencies.

Still, the Cubs remain fully committed to helping Brown rediscover his form, and they are taking a comprehensive approach to get him back on track.

Mechanical Tweaks and Pitch Design

One of the first areas the Cubs’ coaching staff targeted was Brown’s mechanics. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and the Cubs’ analytics team noticed subtle changes in Brown’s release point and stride length compared to last year. These differences were affecting both his velocity and control, especially on his fastball.

“He’s been rushing a little bit in his delivery,” Hottovy explained. “We’re working to get him back to that smoother, more repeatable motion he had last year, which allowed him to command all his pitches better.”

The Cubs are also focusing on pitch design. Brown’s fastball remains his best weapon, but opposing hitters have started to sit on it, especially when he falls behind in counts. To counter this, the Cubs have worked on refining his secondary pitches — particularly his slider and changeup — to give him more tools to keep hitters off balance.

“We’ve spent a lot of time in the lab,” Hottovy added. “We’re adjusting grips, working with high-speed cameras, and using data from our biomechanical systems to get more break and better deception.”

Mental Approach and Confidence Building

Brown’s early-season struggles haven’t just been physical — there’s a psychological component as well. The Cubs recognize the mental challenges that come with high expectations and setbacks. To support Brown, they’ve assigned him a mental skills coach to help him maintain a strong mindset through adversity.

“Pitching is just as much mental as it is physical,” said David Ross, Cubs manager. “Ben’s got elite talent. What we’re focused on is making sure he keeps trusting his stuff and doesn’t lose confidence just because of a few bad outings.”

To help reinforce that mindset, the Cubs have shown Brown video breakdowns of his best performances from 2024, reminding him of what he’s capable of when everything clicks. They’ve also encouraged a more aggressive approach on the mound — challenging him to attack the strike zone instead of nibbling and falling behind in counts.

Minor League Tune-Ups and Custom Workloads

In an effort to ease the pressure and give him room to develop, the Cubs briefly optioned Brown to Triple-A Iowa in May. There, he was able to work on adjustments in a lower-stakes environment. His outings were carefully monitored, with individualized pitch counts and feedback after every appearance.

“The goal wasn’t to send him down as a punishment,” said Cubs GM Carter Hawkins. “It was about giving him a chance to breathe, get his rhythm back, and refine his approach without the constant pressure of the big leagues.”

Since returning to the majors, Brown has shown flashes of improvement. His velocity is climbing again, and his off-speed pitches are generating more swings and misses. While the results haven’t fully stabilized, the Cubs are encouraged by the progress.

Organizational Support and Long-Term Vision

It’s clear the Cubs view Ben Brown as a crucial part of their future. He has the raw tools — a mid-90s fastball, swing-and-miss breaking stuff, and a bulldog mentality — to be a rotation staple for years to come. The organization’s approach reflects that belief. Rather than reacting hastily to early-season struggles, they’ve shown patience and invested in his development.

“Sometimes guys go through tough stretches,” Ross said. “But we believe in Ben. He’s putting in the work, and we’re putting in the work with him.”

Whether Brown turns things around this season or it takes a bit longer, the Cubs are clearly playing the long game. Their investment in data, coaching, and mental health underscores a modern, player-centered philosophy. And in Brown, they see a pitcher who, once unlocked, can help lead their next playoff push.

As the season moves forward, all eyes will be on his next few starts. If the adjustments continue to take hold, Cubs fans could soon see the return of the dominant, confident version of Ben Brown — the one they’ve been waiting for.