The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for Opening Day with a pitching staff that mostly answers its own questions. However, the final bullpen decision has stirred up some debate among fans.
Unlike last year, when Brad Keller emerged as a surprise from a minor league deal, this spring training didn’t unearth any hidden gems. Instead, the Cubs leaned on their depth, ultimately deciding between two familiar faces with proven MLB track records for that crucial eighth bullpen spot.
The decision wasn’t a no-brainer for everyone. The Cubs opted to send Javier Assad to Triple-A, where he’ll start the season in the Iowa Cubs' rotation. This move opens the door for Ben Brown to make the Opening Day roster as the eighth reliever, marking his second consecutive year in this role after a challenging 2025 season.
Brown, now 26, first stepped onto the MLB scene in 2024, showcasing his skills over 55.1 innings split between starting and relieving. Last year, he began in the starting rotation but was sent to Triple-A by June. Brown’s high-90s fastball and devastating curveball have always been his calling cards, but the absence of a reliable third pitch made him vulnerable, leading to a rocky 2025.
This year, Brown has added a sinker to his arsenal, and the early returns in spring training have been promising. Yet, some fans remain skeptical, recalling his past inconsistencies.
Meanwhile, Assad has been a steady presence since his MLB debut in 2022, excelling in various roles from multi-inning reliever to starter. Despite an oblique injury that cut into his 2025 season, he managed to deliver 37 solid innings post-recovery.
Assad’s career ERA of 3.43 over 331 innings speaks to his reliability, making the decision to prioritize Brown’s potential a strategic gamble. While Assad waits in the wings, ready to contribute whenever called upon, the Cubs are banking on Brown’s upside to bolster their bullpen. Both pitchers are poised to play pivotal roles in the 2026 season, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how this decision pans out.