Chicago’s talented young outfielder has shown an impressive array of tools that Have Positioned Him As a Future cornerstone of the franchise
By Ryan K Boman | May 23, 2025
As the Chicago Cubs continue to hold on to their lead in the National League Central, perhaps no player holds the key to their success like the spectacular Pete Crow-Armstrong. The young star has developed and improved in his sophomore season, and he’s become one of the clutch players on a contending club.
The 23-year-old outfielder has been considered one of the Cubs’ prized prospects for the past couple of seasons. Originally drafted in the first round by the Mets, Chicago acquired PCA in a 2021 deal that saw New York acquire Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. The Windy City Nine were betting on Crow-Armstrong’s future potential, and it’s begun to finally pay off.
PCA originally had a September call-up in 2023, then an up-and-down rookie season in 2024, where he posted simply ‘okay’ numbers: a .237 batting average with 10 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and 47 RBIs. Not exactly awful, but certainly not what you’re expecting from a potential franchise player either.
However, Crow-Armstrong has improved rapidly this year, currently hitting .279 with 12 homers, 39 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. And though it’s early, a blazing hot summer streak could land him in the 30-30 club by season’s end.
Most importantly, PCA is also starting to develop a little swagger, showing way more confidence as he emerges as a team leader. Born the son of two Hollywood actors, Matthew John Armstrong and Ashley Crow, the youngster has shown a flair for the dramatic himself. There was already some early evidence of that, based on his awesome inside-the-park home run against the Marlins late last season.
With the St. Louis Cardinals surprisingly nipping at the Cubs’ heels, PCA will have to be one of the key contributors for Chi-Town the rest of the way. His talent is unquestionable, and now his results are starting to match the early labels. Given his amazing upside, Crow-Armstrong could fill the role of being the clubhouse leader, in the same vein as former Cubs stars like Mark Grace and Ryne Sandberg.
Considering his age and talent, along with his playing style, he’s already a favorite of Cubs fans. And winning certainly doesn’t hurt, either. There’s still roughly two-thirds of the 2025 season remaining, so anything is possible. But as of now? It seems that Pete Crow-Armstrong could be in the midst of a career-defining year, and one that leads to his first-ever postseason appearance.
The Sidearmer 