Sources: Cubs starter Brown undergoes spine surgery, targets early '27 return

LAS VEGAS -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown underwent successful cervical spine surgery Monday in New York, according to sources.

The operation addressed a lingering neck issue that ended his season early in 2026 after experiencing a similar issue back in 2024. Brown, 27, emerged as one of the team's better starters last year, posting a 1.85 ERA in 20 games including eight starts.

But his season ended in late June after experiencing neck pain for the second time in three years. After giving it time to heal on its own, Brown decided to have surgery.

The procedure involved the C5 vertebra, which is located in the middle region of the neck. Brown is expected to start a throwing progression early…