LAS VEGAS -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown underwent successful cervical spine surgery Monday in New York, according to sources.
The operation addressed a lingering neck issue that ended his season early in 2026 after experiencing a similar issue back in 2024. Brown, 27, emerged as one of the team's better starters last year, posting a 1.85 ERA in 20 games including eight starts.
But his season ended in late June after experiencing neck pain for the second time in three years. After giving it time to heal on its own, Brown decided to have surgery.
The procedure involved the C5 vertebra, which is located in the middle region of the neck. Brown is expected to start a throwing progression early in the new year and should be game ready in the first half of the 2027 season.
Overall, Brown has a career 4.15 ERA in parts of three seasons but has steadily improved since the Cubs acquired him from the Phillies in the summer of 2021. He was an integral part of Chicago's early success this past year but joined key starters Cade Horton and Justin Steele on the injured list.
Horton made only two starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery while Steele missed the entire season recovering from surgery as well. Along with Brown's absence, it underscores the Cubs' needs for pitching this winter. They have several openings in the rotation that Brown will fill once he returns.
