Pete Crow-Armstrong is A Phenom

Pete Crow-Armstrong 2025 NL All-Star

In a season where the Chicago Cubs have surged to the top of the NL Central, no storyline has captured the imagination of fans more than the breakout of Pete Crow-Armstrong. Once viewed primarily as a defensive specialist, PCA has exploded into a two-way All-Star, mashing home runs, swiping bags, and playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field. At just 23 years old, he’s not only one of the most electric players in baseball but a legitimate National League MVP contender.

As 2025 approached, fans and analysts tempered their expectations for Crow-Armstrong. His late-season call-up in 2023 showed flashes of brilliance, but a full season of consistency was the question. He has now answered that question clearly and decisively.

PCA is hitting .265 with 21 home runs, 62 RBIs, and an impressive .837 OPS. He reached the 15 HR/20 SB mark in just 60 games, making him one of the fastest in modern MLB history to do so. With a blend of power and speed rarely seen in center fielders today, Crow-Armstrong has become a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

2025 NL Central Breakout Stars

What changed for PCA? Analysts and insiders identify several key factors. First, Crow-Armstrong has overhauled his swing, focusing on cleaner timing and better barrel control. It’s resulted in harder contact and fewer wasted at-bats. Second, PCA admitted a mental shift occurred during a rough stretch in April. “I got back on time,” he said of a game in Los Angeles where things clicked. Since April 13th, he’s launched 19 homers and stolen 17 bases. Perhaps most importantly, despite the offensive outburst, he hasn’t sacrificed defense. From diving catches to throwing lasers from deep center, his glove is arguably the best in baseball in centerfield.

Crow-Armstrong’s impact goes beyond stats. The Cubs, now sitting at 50–35, are one of baseball’s most balanced teams, and PCA is right at the center of it all, both literally and figuratively.

While Shohei Ohtani exists, PCA’s all-around contributions have launched him into the race. His power-speed combo, coupled with highlight-reel defense and consistent clutch performances, has made him one of the most valuable players in the National League.

For all his success, there’s still refinement ahead. Crow-Armstrong’s walk rate and on-base percentage remain inconsistent, and he has hit a mild slump over the last month, with a sub-.270 OBP in his last 30 games. These are the growing pains of a young star adjusting to being pitched like a veteran.

PCA has already racked up a highlight reel in 2025:

May 24: A grand slam against the Reds to flip a 6–4 deficit into an 8–6 win.

June 3: Crushed his 15th home run, pushing the Cubs to their highest point above .500 all season.

June 19: Became the first Cub to reach 20 HR and 20 SB this year.

With the All-Star break around the corner and the Cubs poised to be buyers at the deadline, Crow-Armstrong finds himself not just at the heart of this season, but at the foundation of the Cubs’ future. As well as at the center of the All-Star game, being named the starting NL Centerfielder for the Midsummer Classic. As a 30 HR/30 SB season is looming, so is a possible Bobby Witt Jr.-esque long-term extension that could lock him into Chicago well into the next decade. Learn the name Pete Crow-Armstrong and learn it fast, the next superstar of MLB is on the come-up.

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