Pete Crow-Armstrong: The Cubs’ Rising Star Navigates Success and Expectations

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s dedication extends beyond the baseball diamond, exemplified by his meticulous preparation even during the offseason. The Chicago Cubs center fielder’s relentless pursuit of improvement, coupled with his dynamic play, has quickly made him a focal point for the team and a fan favorite. However, despite a breakout 2025 season, Crow-Armstrong remains focused on consistency and addressing a noticeable second-half slump.

From Breakout Season to Focused Improvement

Crow-Armstrong’s 2025 season was historic, becoming the second-youngest Cub ever to start an All-Star Game. He showcased an impressive skillset, combining elite speed with unexpected power, resulting in a rare 30-30-30 season – 31 home runs, 37 doubles, and 35 stolen bases. This performance earned him recognition as a Gold Glove finalist and a contender for the National League MVP award, finishing ninth in voting. However, a significant drop in performance during the second half of the season fueled his offseason focus.

Addressing the Second-Half Dip

Despite a stellar first half, where he hit 25 home runs and stole 27 bases before the All-Star break, Crow-Armstrong’s production declined sharply after the mid-season mark. In 203 at-bats from August through October (including the playoffs), he hit just .187, with more strikeouts than games played. This inconsistency led to visible frustration, including displays of emotion that garnered attention on social media. He acknowledges the need to manage these reactions and maintain a more even keel.

Crow-Armstrong recognizes a mechanical issue contributed to his struggles. He notes that when his setup at the plate was off, his swing suffered, leading to a lack of success. He also admits to chasing pitches and doing damage on bad pitches early in the season, a habit he understands is unsustainable. His chase rate was 41.7% last season, and he aims to improve his plate discipline.

The Mental Game and Self-Awareness

Beyond the mechanics, Crow-Armstrong is working on the mental aspect of the game. He understands that baseball is inherently difficult and strives to rewire his mindset to accept that consistent success is not always attainable. He’s focused on giving himself more grace and focusing on the process rather than dwelling on past failures. Cubs assistant hitting coach John Mallee notes Crow-Armstrong’s competitiveness and tendency to be self-critical when he doesn’t meet his own high standards.

This self-awareness extends to understanding his public persona. He embraces the energy and passion he brings to the field, even if it sometimes comes across as overly emotional. He acknowledges that his exuberance can rub people the wrong way but believes it’s an integral part of his game.

Community Engagement and Chicago Roots

Crow-Armstrong is actively engaging with the Chicago community, participating in events like the Jason Heyward Baseball Academy clinic and supporting local organizations. He’s also embraced the city’s sports culture, attending Bears and Bulls games and forming connections with other young athletes like Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. He has expressed his desire to remain with the Cubs long-term, appreciating the team and the city’s passionate fanbase.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As Crow-Armstrong prepares for the 2026 season, the focus is on building upon his successes even as addressing his areas for improvement. He’s committed to refining his mechanics, strengthening his mental game, and continuing to be a leader both on and off the field. The Cubs are counting on him to be a key contributor as they aim for a deep playoff run. He understands the weight of expectations but remains focused on the perform required to reach his full potential.