Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown underwent successful cervical spine surgery Monday, according to multiple media reports.
The operation was reportedly a proactive procedure to address a neck issue that initially appeared in 2024 and reemerged in 2026, landing him on the injured list in late June. He attempted to work his way back onto the mound but the neck pain shut his season down for good in August.
The surgery involved Brown’s C5 vertebra, located in the middle of the neck area. The 27-year-old is reportedly expected to start a throwing progression early next year and return to game action at some point in the first half of the season.
Multiple injuries to the Cubs’ starting rotation last season moved Brown from a reliever role to that of a starter, where he thrived in eight starts before the neck issues resurfaced.
He finished the season with a 4-2 record, one save and a 1.85 ERA in 68 total innings, including 42 1/3 as a starter.
A 2017 draft pick by the Philadelphia Phillies, Brown has a career record of 10-13 with a 4.15 ERA and two saves in 60 appearances (31 starts) since making his major league debut with the Cubs in 2024.
