The Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong has been on a remarkable journey since being acquired from the New York Mets in the 2021 Javier Baez deal.
His background is as intriguing as his baseball career; hailing from Los Angeles, both of his parents are actors, and he attended Harvard-Westlake High School, a renowned baseball powerhouse. Despite a commitment to Vanderbilt University, Crow-Armstrong entered the professional ranks directly from high school, selected in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Early Pro Days
His early professional career faced a setback due to a shoulder injury in 2021, which curtailed his season and facilitated his trade to the Cubs in exchange for Baez and Trevor Williams. Interestingly, Baez was Crow-Armstrong’s favorite player during his high school years, and despite his Californian roots, he harbored a fondness for the Cubs, making his acquisition by Chicago a somewhat ironic coincidence.
Upon joining the Cubs’ organization, Crow-Armstrong’s ascent through the minor leagues was swift. In 2022, while playing for the Iowa Cubs, he earned a Minor League Gold Glove, a testament to his exceptional defensive capabilities that impressed both scouts and analytical models. Offensively, he showcased his potential with a .295 batting average and an .883 OPS, signaling his readiness for the major leagues by mid-2023. After several transitions between Triple-A and the majors, he secured a permanent spot on the Cubs’ roster.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Defensively, Crow-Armstrong has been outstanding as the Cubs’ primary center fielder, recording 11 Defensive Runs Saved in the 2024 season. His fielding prowess, evident even during his brief stint with the Cubs in 2023, has been nearly flawless.
However, his offensive performance has room for improvement; he concluded the 2024 season with a .237 batting average. Scouting reports have noted tendencies toward weak contact and average power. In response, Cubs’ hitting coach Dustin Kelly has been working with him to enhance his swing speed, refine his lower body mechanics to boost power, and improve his decision-making at the plate.
It should be noted, though, that “PCA” closed 2024 impressively and started to show signs of being that spark plug presence the Cubs hoped he’s be.
PCA’s Final Tally With The Chicago Cubs
Despite his offensive challenges, Crow-Armstrong contributed 2.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in the 2024 season. This impressive figure, however, was insufficient to secure a spot among the finalists for the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award, with players like Paul Skenes of the Pirates, Jackson Merrill of the Padres, and Jackson Chourio of the Brewers leading the race. Notably, his Cubs teammates Shota Imanaga and Michael Busch also had commendable seasons, potentially overshadowing his achievements.
If you’re counting, that gave the Cubs three legit Rookie of the Year candidates in 2024– with several more young players in Triple-A looking to make the breakthrough to the big in 2025. Impressive.
Crow-Armstrong’s raw talent, at 22 years of age, is undeniable, though it has yet to fully translate into consistent on-field value. His elite defensive skills provide a solid foundation, and with ongoing development in his offensive game, he holds the potential to become a cornerstone for the Cubs in the coming years. The organization’s commitment to his growth, coupled with his dedication to improvement, suggests a promising trajectory.
In short, expect big things to come from Pete Crow-Armstrong.
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
