In only his second start at Triple-A Iowa, Chicago Cubs top prospect Ben Brown has turned in an elite performance. Going five more scoreless innings, like his first outing in Triple-A, Brown struck out ten and allowed only two hits and three walks. For the season, Brown is down to an incredible 0.59 ERA over a larger and larger sample as time goes on of 30.2 innings pitched. Take a look at some highlights from today’s outing, and watch all ten of Brown’s punchouts:

The Cubs have had several pitching prospects turn it up a notch this season, but none more than the torrid pace of Brown to begin the 2023 campaign. After recently being called to Triple-A, he looks even better at a higher level. With the Javier Assad and Caleb Kilian experiments not working out the way the front office has wanted, Brown is now knocking on the door of at least a spot start to showcase his skill at the major league level the next time the Chicago Cubs need to call upon somebody.

Here's a look at all 10 of Ben Brown's K's in his second @IowaCubs start: https://t.co/YztvahvHA7 pic.twitter.com/XpF5PsWAv8

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 10, 2023

With a good riding fastball, curve, and slide/cutter mix, Brown’s three-pitch combination has yielded positive results. Developing his changeup further will be key in matchups vs. left-handed batters, but given the raw skill we’ve seen from him, he should be able to get the pitch to at least a viable weapon to utilize when needed.

Acquired in the trade last season that sent Cubs closer David Robertson to Philadelphia, the Cubs received Brown, who looks increasingly like a steal as time passes. This trade could be one of the better ones of the Jed Hoyer era in Chicago. Brown flashes elite stuff and projects well to be at least a mid-rotation guy for the Cubs moving forward. At only 24 years old, the sky is the limit for Brown. The Cubs have a good one here.