Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 2025 campaign is a testament to perseverance, talent, and smart front-office decision-making
From a sidelined prospect in the Mets’ system to the Cubs’ offensive catalyst and MVP contender, PCA’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
As the season progresses and the playoff race intensifies, all eyes will be on Chicago—and especially on No. 25 in center field.
If he continues at this pace, Pete Crow-Armstrong could deliver not only an MVP trophy but also a deep postseason run for a Cubs team that’s hungry for more October magic.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s historic season has breathed new life into the Cubs franchise and captivated baseball fans nationwide.
In just 60 games, he’s proven he’s not only ready for the big leagues—he’s ready to dominate them. With elite tools, a winning mindset, and a flair for the dramatic, PCA is on the fast track to stardom.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on him. Not just for what he’s already accomplished—but for what’s still to come.
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Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Resurgent Chicago Cubs
A Powerhouse in the National League
The 2025 MLB season has seen a surprising but thrilling rise of the Chicago Cubs.1
With a current 40-26 record, they boast the second-best record in the National League, powered by an explosive offense that’s capturing headlines across the baseball world.
At the center of this offensive renaissance is 23-year-old outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, widely known by fans as PCA.
His combination of energy, elite defense, and blossoming offensive production has transformed the Cubs’ lineup and made him a legitimate candidate for the National League MVP award. But PCA’s path to stardom has been anything but conventional.
From Mets Prospect to Cubs Breakout Star
Crow-Armstrong began his professional career in the New York Mets organization, after being selected in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Known for his athleticism, instincts in the outfield, and high baseball IQ, PCA was highly regarded as one of the Mets’ top prospects. However, a shoulder injury limited him to just six games in his debut minor league season.
That injury, as it turns out, played a critical role in his journey to the Cubs.
The Trade That Changed the Cubs’ Future
In July 2021, the Cubs dealt veteran infielder Javier Báez and pitcher Trevor Williams to the Mets in exchange for PCA.
The move raised eyebrows at the time—after all, trading a proven star like Báez for an injured prospect seemed risky. However, Cubs president Jed Hoyer later offered a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the deal came to be.
Speaking to Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman on the New York Post Sports podcast, Hoyer revealed:
“I think Pete Crow-Armstrong played like six games and got hurt, and he was sort of out of sight, out of mind… I think his injury didn’t allow him to perform, and therefore, he became a guy they were willing to trade.”
Hoyer further explained that the Mets had taken several of their top prospects off the table immediately—players like Francisco Álvarez and Brett Baty were untouchable.
PCA, nursing his injury and somewhat forgotten in the shuffle, became a movable piece. That stroke of “good fortune,” as Hoyer called it, turned out to be one of the most consequential trades in recent Cubs history.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Rising to Stardom in 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and Pete Crow-Armstrong has blossomed into the centerpiece of a Cubs team chasing playoff glory.2
Through 66 games, PCA is slashing an impressive .276/.341/.497 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs—by far the best numbers of his young career.
He’s no longer just a defensive specialist. Though his elite range and Gold Glove-caliber fielding still anchor center field for the Cubs, it’s his production at the plate that’s capturing MVP buzz.
His ability to hit for power, drive in runs, and cause chaos on the base paths has elevated the Cubs from playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders.
Cubs’ Offense: A Balanced Attack
While Crow-Armstrong may be the standout, he’s far from alone in leading the Cubs’ offensive charge. Chicago has benefitted from a balanced lineup that includes veteran leadership and emerging stars.
Players like Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, and Christopher Morel have all contributed in different ways—whether it’s clutch hitting, consistent on-base presence, or timely home runs. But it’s PCA’s presence near the top of the order that often sets the tone for the rest of the team.
When he gets on base, the Cubs score. His aggressive baserunning forces pitchers to rush, his speed rattles infielders, and his high baseball IQ ensures he rarely makes mental errors. It’s the type of all-around game that transforms good teams into great ones.
Maturity Beyond His Years
What’s perhaps most impressive about Crow-Armstrong is his maturity and leadership. At just 23, he plays with the poise of a 10-year veteran.
Teammates and coaches rave about his work ethic and attitude. He’s known for arriving early to the ballpark, staying late for extra reps, and studying pitchers with intense focus.
That mindset is contagious. Cubs manager Craig Counsell has praised PCA multiple times this season, calling him “a difference-maker in every phase of the game.”
And it’s not just lip service—his name has become a regular part of MVP discussions on both local broadcasts and national shows.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: MVP Talk
Real or Premature?
It might seem premature to slot a 23-year-old into the MVP conversation, but PCA’s case is compelling.3
Among National League outfielders, he ranks near the top in several key categories:
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Home Runs: 17 (Top 5 in NL)
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RBIs: 55 (Top 3 in NL)
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WAR (Wins Above Replacement): 3.9 (Top 5 among NL position players)
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Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): 9 (1st among NL center fielders)
If the Cubs continue to win and Crow-Armstrong maintains this level of production, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in the MVP mix alongside stars like Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr.
Reflecting on the Trade: Cubs’ Ultimate Steal?
Looking back, the trade for Pete Crow-Armstrong now appears to be one of the most lopsided deals of the last decade.
While Báez had a brief and underwhelming stint with the Mets before leaving in free agency, PCA has become a franchise cornerstone for Chicago.
It’s the kind of trade that can define a front office—and for Jed Hoyer, it represents a masterstroke of talent evaluation and patience.
Betting on a high-upside prospect with an injury history is always a gamble. But the Cubs took a chance—and it’s paying massive dividends.
A Bright Future Ahead
Pete Crow-Armstrong is not only a star for the present—he’s a foundational piece for the Cubs’ future.
With team control for several more seasons and a core of young talent developing alongside him, Chicago’s window to compete is wide open.
Fans at Wrigley Field have embraced PCA with open arms. His hustle, highlight-reel catches, and timely hits make him a fan favorite—and a symbol of a new Cubs era.
After years of rebuilding, the North Side faithful once again have a reason to dream big.
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Pete Crow-Armstrong Makes History for Cubs in Breakthrough Season
A Star is Born: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Meteoric Rise
Pete Crow-Armstrong, the highly touted Chicago Cubs prospect, has officially arrived—and in spectacular fashion.
While expectations were always high for the 22-year-old outfielder, his 2025 breakout season has cemented his name among the brightest young stars in baseball.
What separates Crow-Armstrong from other emerging talents isn’t just his athleticism or instincts, but his rare combination of power and speed, traits he’s showcased in historic fashion.
In just 60 games this season, Crow-Armstrong blasted 15 home runs and swiped 20 bases, making him only the fourth player in Major League Baseball history to reach those milestones so quickly.
Only three players—Bobby Bonds (59 games), Ken Williams (54), and Eric Davis (40)—have done it faster. For a rookie making his first real mark on the league, it’s a jaw-dropping achievement.
Power and Speed: A Rare and Lethal Combination
The ability to both slug home runs and terrorize pitchers on the base paths is a skill set not seen often, especially in players so early in their careers. Crow-Armstrong is redefining the modern five-tool player.
Traditionally, players lean heavily into either power or speed, but PCA—as fans and teammates affectionately call him—is excelling in both categories.
His 15 home runs in just 60 games prove that he’s not simply a slap hitter who relies on speed. He has legitimate pop, capable of clearing fences in the most pitcher-friendly ballparks.
Meanwhile, his 20 stolen bases reflect his base-running IQ, acceleration, and willingness to take risks—all key traits of elite leadoff or two-hole hitters.
The Historical Context: How PCA Compares to Legends
To understand the magnitude of Crow-Armstrong’s feat, it helps to look at the names ahead of him. Bobby Bonds, the father of home run king Barry Bonds, was a dynamic force in his own right.
Ken Williams, though lesser-known, was a trailblazer during the early 20th century. And Eric Davis? He was a freak athlete who once looked like a sure bet for Cooperstown.
For Crow-Armstrong to be mentioned in the same breath as these legends, and at such an early stage in his MLB journey, suggests that this is no fluke. Each of those players had a profound impact on the game, and PCA appears well on his way to doing the same.
Defensive Brilliance: The Glove Matches the Bat
While his offensive achievements have grabbed headlines, Crow-Armstrong’s defensive excellence should not be overshadowed.
A natural center fielder, he covers ground effortlessly and has already racked up a handful of highlight-reel catches.
His instincts, range, and arm strength are elite, making him a potential Gold Glove candidate even as a rookie.
His presence in the outfield has given the Cubs a legitimate defensive anchor—something that’s often missing in teams focused solely on offensive production.
In fact, many scouts believed his glove alone would carry him to the majors. That he’s become such an offensive weapon too makes him a complete package.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Impact on the Cubs’ Season
A Spark for the Franchise
When the Cubs entered the 2025 season, they were seen as a team in transition—a franchise building toward the future with young talent.
Crow-Armstrong has accelerated that timeline. With his electrifying play, he’s helped transform the Cubs from a middling team into a serious playoff contender.
PCA’s spark has been contagious. Veterans have stepped up, the clubhouse energy has shifted, and the fan base is buzzing. Wrigley Field has become electric again, with fans eager to see their new star every night.
There’s a renewed belief in the North Side of Chicago, and much of that optimism can be credited to Crow-Armstrong.
A Mental Game: Composure Beyond His Years
One of the more underrated aspects of PCA’s breakout season is his maturity. While many young players struggle with the mental grind of a long season, Crow-Armstrong carries himself like a seasoned pro.
He handles slumps with composure, speaks to the media with poise, and remains focused regardless of outside noise.
That maturity is likely a result of his upbringing and time spent in the minors. Coming from a family of performers—his mother, Ashley Crow, is a seasoned actress—he’s grown up in the public eye and knows how to handle pressure. That translates on the field, where he remains calm in clutch moments and rarely looks rattled.
Scouting Report: What Makes PCA Tick
Crow-Armstrong’s scouting report is the envy of most front offices:
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Hitting: Above-average contact hitter with surprising power to all fields. Excellent plate discipline and bat control.
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Speed: Elite runner with smart instincts on the bases. Rarely gets caught stealing.
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Defense: Gold Glove-caliber center fielder with exceptional range and first-step quickness.
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Arm: Strong, accurate arm capable of throwing out runners from deep center field.
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Intangibles: High baseball IQ, mature demeanor, team-first mentality.
It’s the blend of all these traits that makes him so valuable—not just now, but for years to come.
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