The Chicago Cubs pulled off one of the most impactful trades in franchise history when they traded fan favorite Javier Báez to the New York Mets in return for veteran star. Since arriving in Chicago, Crow-Armstrong has shined with his speed, elite defense, and energetic presence—traits reminiscent of Báez himself.
The main question was whether Crow-Armstrong could develop into even a league-average hitter to complement his elite tools. With just decent offensive production, his speed and glove alone would make him a highly valuable player. But if he continues to elevate his bat to an elite level, he has the potential to become one of the very best players in the game.
A star is born
This season, the former first-rounder has put up an impressive .279/.313/.553/.866 slash line with a 141 OPS+. He’s already tallied 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases—far surpassing even the loftiest offensive projections. Combine that with his league-leading 8 outs above average among outfielders, and it’s no surprise he’s already posted 2.9 fWAR through just 50 games, the second-highest mark in all of Major League Baseball.
As Pete Crow-Armstrong continues his rise as one of baseball’s brightest young stars, the Cubs reportedly tried to secure his future by offering a \$75 million contract extension earlier this season. Crow-Armstrong turned it down, betting on himself in hopes of landing a more lucrative deal down the line.
So far, that bet is paying off.
During a recent interview on 670 The Score, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer offered glowing praise for the 23-year-old outfielder.
“He’s been outstanding,” Hoyer said. “Right now, he’s beating teams in so many different ways… When Javy \[Baez] was at his peak around 2018, he could win a game with his glove, baserunning, or power—PCA is showing that same kind of impact.”
Hoyer also addressed why the team isn’t currently pursuing a new deal with Crow-Armstrong.
“It’s something we’ll definitely revisit at some point,” he said. “But for now, we just want him focused on the season.”
A true five-tool player
Known as PCA to fans, he has embodied the true five-tool player this season. His speed, defense, contact ability, power, and arm strength have all played key roles in influencing games. Although he could improve his plate discipline, he still makes a significant impact whenever he connects with the ball.
The Cubs have arguably fielded the best outfield in the majors this year. With Kyle Tucker on one side and the duo of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki on the other, their outfield has fueled the team to a 30-20 record.
Whether PCA can sustain these impressive numbers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Cubs have a rising superstar in their lineup.