Height
6'6"
Weight
210 lbs
Age
26
College
N/A
Draft
2017, Rd 33, #983
Experience
2 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsC-
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 41 | 5.1272726 | 6-11 | 188 | 1.3151516 | 0.0 | 1 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
AAV
$780K/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Cubs secured starting pitcher Ben Brown on a modest $0.8M deal that earns a C CVI, reflecting a low-risk gamble on a serviceable starter with limited upside. At just $800K, Chicago isn't breaking the bank for a pitcher who profiles as a back-end rotation piece, making this the type of depth signing that won't move the needle but also won't hurt the payroll flexibility. Brown's serviceable starter designation suggests he can eat innings and provide replacement-level production, which has value in today's MLB where starting pitching depth is constantly tested by injuries and workload management. The one-year commitment gives the Cubs flexibility to evaluate whether Brown can outperform his modest expectations while keeping the door open for younger arms in their system to claim rotation spots. While this isn't the kind of signing that excites fans or significantly improves Chicago's competitive outlook, it's a reasonable depth move that addresses organizational needs without hampering future roster construction. The C CVI reflects the reality that Brown represents a known quantity with limited ceiling — exactly what you'd expect from a sub-$1M starter in today's market.
Performance Analysis
Ben Brown grades as an All-Star caliber performer among MLB starting pitchers, earning a B+ Performance grade. He carries a 5.12 ERA (well above the league average of 4.20, a significant concern) and a 1.32 WHIP across 161.2 innings pitched with a 10.3 K/9 rate. His 6-11 record with 1 saves provides context on team support and run prevention. His strikeout rate of 10.3 per nine innings ranks among the best in the league, showing dominant swing-and-miss ability. As a sophomore at 26, Ben is a key contributor for the Cubs.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 4/8 | @ TB | W 6-2 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
| Sun, 4/5 | @ CLE | L 5-6 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
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