Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged this season as a standout player with exceptional base stealing and freedom, combining his speed and instincts to impact games significantly. Through May 28, Crow-Armstrong has tallied 16 stolen bases in just 234 plate appearances, showcasing his ability to disrupt opponents and contribute to the Cubs’ success.
Manager Craig Counsell Empowers Crow-Armstrong’s Aggressive Base Running
Crow-Armstrong’s base stealing success is linked closely to the confidence and freedom granted by Cubs manager Craig Counsell. In a recent interview discussing a crucial steal during an extra-inning victory over the Colorado Rockies, Counsell highlighted the calculated trust he places in Crow-Armstrong.
The stolen base in the bottom of the 11th inning, with one out, put Crow-Armstrong into scoring position, leading to a game-winning RBI single by Michael Busch. Counsell explained that while Crow-Armstrong often receives permission to attempt steals, it is always contingent on the game’s context.
Craig Counsell gives Pete Crow-Armstrong a lot of freedom on the bases, but it isn’t a green light all the time.
“As a fan, you’re saying, ‘This is a good time for him to go,’” he says. “You realize the other team is saying, ‘This is a really good time for Pete to go’ too?”
—Craig Counsell, Manager
Despite everybody—including fans and opposing teams—anticipating Crow-Armstrong’s move, Counsell trusts his outfielder’s speed and timing, allowing him to take calculated risks on the basepaths. Baseball Savant data ranks Crow-Armstrong in the 97th percentile for sprint speed, making him one of the fastest players in Major League Baseball, which supports Counsell’s strategy.
This approach has yielded impressive results, with Crow-Armstrong successfully stealing 16 bases on 19 attempts, proving both his speed and smart base running. Though Counsell noted that not every moment is the right moment to run, the liberty Crow-Armstrong enjoys clearly boosts his effectiveness on the bases.
Projecting a Season with Over 50 Stolen Bases
Given Crow-Armstrong’s current pace and the managerial trust he receives, he is on track to surpass 50 stolen bases by season’s end, an achievement few accomplish in today’s game. His 16 steals in just 55 games indicate his significant threat on the basepaths.
In addition to his base stealing prowess, Crow-Armstrong has shown surprising power at the plate with 14 home runs, and he provides top-tier defense in the outfield, as reflected by his 3.0 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). This combination of speed, power, and defensive skill makes him one of the most valuable players in the league this season.
While teammate Kyle Tucker has garnered attention as an NL MVP candidate, Crow-Armstrong’s emergence as a dynamic two-way player has positioned him as a legitimate contender for accolades and a central figure in the Cubs’ lineup.
The continued development and utilization of Pete Crow-Armstrong’s unique blend of speed and freedom on the bases are likely to keep him among the most exciting players to watch in MLB. If he maintains his current production, Crow-Armstrong could redefine expectations for power-speed players in the coming years.