According to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Ben Brown (neck) could be deployed as a high-leverage reliever. Brown was sidelined since June of 2024 due to a neck injury but was cleared to have a normal throwing program during the offseason. However, given that the Cubs rotation has five stable options and recently brought in Colin Rea, Brown could be shifted to a relief role. Mooney and Sharma noted that Brown's fastball could take another step forward if he shifts to a relief role. However, the 25-year-old performed well as a starter during his rookie campaign and could make a case to earn the final spot in the rotation. Across 55 1/3 innings, Brown held a 3.58 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP. He struck out 28.8 percent of the batters he faced. If Brown were to shift to a high-leverage role, he could be a viable target in holds league as he would likely see time in the seventh or eighth innings alongside Porter Hodge.
