Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has stood out for the Chicago Cubs this season, posting a .272 batting average, 15 home runs, and 50 RBIs. His performance also includes leading the National League with a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 3.3, according to Fangraphs, making him a key driver behind the Cubs’ recent success. This strong showing is critical as the team aims to return to the postseason after a five-year absence.
Cubs General Manager Carter Hawkins highlighted Armstrong’s mental toughness during an appearance on MLB Network Radio, emphasizing how the young player’s mindset contributed significantly to his rise.
“He had a tough couple of weeks out of the gates,” Carter Hawkins said, “maybe even more than a couple of weeks. He didn’t really let it affect him too much, which was probably the most encouraging sign. He knew he was going to get better.”
“We couldn’t predict that he necessarily would be leading the league in WAR at this point, but you knew he was a better hitter than what he was showing.”
Armstrong’s Approach to Hitting and Consistency
Hawkins also praised Armstrong’s ability to remain true to his style at the plate without succumbing to external expectations. Rather than trying to fit a specific mold for a player with his speed, Armstrong focused on maintaining his unique strengths.
“He stuck with his approach. He’s never tried to become what everybody thinks he should be, just because he’s so fast, he’s never tried to become that on-base machine.”
“He’s a power-hitter in a lot of ways, and he’s been able to utilize that. He’s been able to focus on what he wants to focus on, and we’re seeing the results.”
Chicago Cubs Positioned for Playoff Return After Years of Struggle
After last winning the World Series in 2016, the Chicago Cubs have struggled to reach the postseason, missing out for five straight years. This season, however, the team’s offense—led by players like Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, and Pete Crow-Armstrong—has been firing on all cylinders. Currently, the Cubs lead the National League Central Division with a 36-22 record, positioning them strongly for a playoff berth.
The combination of Armstrong’s consistent performance and the support from fellow hitters has revitalized the Cubs, raising hopes among fans and analysts that the team could finally break its postseason drought.