Should the Chicago Cubs consider demoting Ben Brown to Triple-A Iowa due to his struggles, including a 3-5 record and 5.71 ERA?

As the Chicago Cubs continue to battle through a challenging 2025 season, one of the more pressing questions surrounding the team is the future of rookie right-hander Ben Brown. With a 3-5 record and a 5.71 ERA over his first 11 starts, Brown’s performance has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. The central question is now clear: Should the Cubs consider sending Brown back down to Triple-A Iowa to regroup?

Brown, once a top-10 prospect in the Cubs’ farm system, showed flashes of brilliance earlier this season. His fastball-slider combination has generated plenty of swings and misses, and his strikeout rate remains encouraging. However, inconsistency has been his undoing. He’s struggled to command the zone, often finding himself behind in counts and susceptible to big innings. Opposing hitters are slashing .274/.360/.483 against him—a troubling line that highlights both command issues and hard contact.

While the Cubs have had their share of injuries and underperformance in the rotation, continuing to trot out a struggling rookie every fifth day can have consequences beyond just the standings. Brown’s confidence appears to be waning, and the pressure of trying to fix his mechanics on the fly at the big-league level may not be the best developmental path.

Demoting Brown wouldn’t be a punishment—it would be a strategic move aimed at helping him regain his rhythm in a lower-stakes environment. A stint in Iowa would allow him to refine his command, regain confidence, and work on limiting hard contact without the pressure of facing top-tier MLB lineups. The Cubs have done this successfully in the past with other young arms, including Justin Steele, who returned stronger after a similar reset.

Of course, the decision to send Brown down also depends on the alternatives. The Cubs would need a viable option to replace him in the rotation. Whether that means giving a shot to a Triple-A arm like Cade Horton or stretching out a long reliever like Hayden Wesneski, the front office must weigh the short-term needs of the team against Brown’s long-term development.

Ultimately, if the Cubs still view Ben Brown as a key piece of their future, giving him a temporary breather in Triple-A may be the smartest move. He’s clearly talented, but sometimes talent needs time and space to flourish.

What do you think? Should the Cubs ride it out with Brown, or is it time to let him reset in Iowa? Sound off in the comments below.