Red Sox Hall of Famer Claims Chicago Cubs Have 'Something Special' in Young Pitcher

Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer says the Chicago Cubs have "something special" in one of their young pitchers.

Apr 9, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown (32) throws a pitch / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs got back on track Tuesday night, beating the San Diego Padres, 5-1.

Ben Brown made his first big league start and proved to the Cubs front office and coaching staff that he deserves an opportunity to make an impact for this team every five games.

The right-hander was bringing it all night, showing off his electric fastball.

Brown, 24 years old, is regarded as one of the top prospects in Chicago's organization. It was on full display on Tuesday as he showed why he's as highly regarded as he is, throwing 4 2/3 innings of no-run baseball while also striking out five batters.

Craig Counsell and players on the Cubs praised Brown for what he was able to do, leaving many within the clubhouse impressed with what he did as a rookie against a very good Padres lineup.

Brown even got praise from arguably the greatest pitcher in baseball history, Pedro Martinez. Martinez was impressed with Brown and believes Chicago has "something special" in that kid.

"I think they have something special in this kid." - Pedro Martinez on Ben Brown pic.twitter.com/gwyXosnSxZ

— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) April 10, 2024

Martinez would know better than anyone that a pitcher has a bright future. While still too early to tell just how successful of a career Brown will have, his first start lead to plenty of optimism.

It's uncertain what role the Cubs will have him in when Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele are fully healthy, but it's clear he needs to be on the mound.

Chicago is 7-4 on the season and has been impressive, playing arguably the toughest schedule in baseball to start the year.

It doesn't get any easier as they take on San Diego again Wednesday night before traveling to face the Seattle Mariners on Friday for a three-game set.