Entering the 2026 MLB season, if you wanted to pick the MVP of the Cubs’ pitching staff, you’d have a handful of options. Cade Horton, who made a run at the NL Rookie of the Year award last year. Matthew Boyd, an All-Star in 2025. Edward Cabrera, a powerful arm with one of the best changeups in baseball. Shota Imanaga, who had a rough 2025 but has continued to be a reliable arm for the North Siders. Perhaps even Caleb Thielbar and Daniel Palencia would get some votes in the bullpen. One name that nobody would have put forth? Ben Brown.