On Tuesday night, Chicago Cubs‘ rookie pitcher Ben Brown was lights-out good against the Milwaukee Brewers. After 93 mythical pitches thrown, Brown carved up the Brewers to the tune of ten strikeouts and no hits allowed through seven innings. Manager Craig Counsell elected to pull him from the game with his pitch-count being the highest of his career. The Cubs’ bullpen lost the no-hit bid, but the offense rallied late to win in extras.
So, how good was Brown on Tuesday? Historically good. He joined Pittsburgh Pirates’ rookie sensation Paul Skenes as the only two pitchers in baseball’s modern era to strikeout ten without allowing a hit or run in a game during their first MLB season. You’ll remember that Skenes torched the Cubs at Wrigley just two weeks ago and was also pulled before being able to try to complete the no-hitter.
Brown has been sensational and versatile for the Cubs so far in 2024. His call-up came earlier than expected after ace Justin Steele went to the injured list after just one start. After a rocky start, he’s molded into a vital piece of the Cubs’ pitching staff.
Brown has entered 13 games this season for the Cubs, starting in six of them. Through 46.1 innings, including last night’s gem, Brown’s earned run average is down to 2.72. He’s allowed just two home runs, and batters are hitting just .195 off him.
If these numbers continue, Brown is going to receive All-Star considerations. He is making batters give him outs. And while his entire arsenal is beyond effective, Brown has one particular weapon that is giving opposing batters a fit.
Ben Brown’s Curveball Is The Best In Baseball
When you have a breaking ball that you can put virtually wherever you want, you will have batters eating out of the palm of your hand. That is exactly what Ben Brown can do with his knuckle curveball. 39 of his 55 strikeouts have come, thanks to it. Batters simply cannot hit it.
According to Statcast, opposing batters have an average of just .120 against Brown’s curveball. They are swinging and missing at it over half the time. The most effective placement is down and away against righties and down and in against lefties. Just outside the strike zone in that corner, batters are swinging and missing an astounding 77% of the time.
When Brown came over in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, scouts and prospect followers became increasingly excited about the potential upside of his game. Here three years later, we are reaping the benefits of everything we had hoped for.
The Cubs have another young prospect, Cade Horton, who is expected to make his MLB debut sometime this summer. Brown is going to make it difficult for the Cubs to relinquish his spot on this team for anyone, including Horton. Whether Brown becomes a key bullpen piece or a staple in an increasingly effective rotation, the Cubs are primed for a lengthy run of superb pitching with him as an anchor.
