Cubs’ Ben Brown undergoes cervical spine surgery, with plan aimed at a 2027 return

Cubs right-hander Ben Brown underwent cervical spine surgery on Monday, Chicago general manager Carter Hawkins confirmed during his Tuesday media availability.

The procedure is intended to address neck issues Brown has dealt with for several years, issues that were initially described as a neck strain when they emerged in 2024.

In 2026, after Brown opened the season strongly before being placed on the injured list on June 24 with a similar injury, the Cubs identified the underlying problem more specifically as a bone stress reaction involving the C5 vertebra.

Brown did not return in 2026 as doctors determined he needed more rest, leading the Cubs to shut him down for the remainder of the year in early September.

If the recovery course goes as planned, the Cubs expect the 27-year-old to resume throwing in early 2027 and return to game action in the first half of the season.