The Chicago Cubs have established a strong defensive outfield with Ian Happ in left, Pete Crow-Armstrong covering center, and Kyle Tucker patrolling right. Tucker recently highlighted the significant contribution of Pete Crow-Armstrong, emphasizing his impact this season on the Cubs’ overall defense. Crow-Armstrong’s agility and range are making a notable difference in the Cubs outfield dynamics.

Kyle Tucker Highlights Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Defensive Strength

Kyle Tucker joined Marquee Sports Network’s pre-game show on Sunday to discuss playing alongside Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Tucker underlined the advantage of having Crow-Armstrong in center field, noting his enthusiasm for chasing down balls across the outfield. Tucker praised Crow-Armstrong’s ability to cover vast ground, effectively shrinking the gap between outfielders and making defensive plays more manageable.

“I mean, it definitely makes it easier on us having PCA in center,” Kyle Tucker said [From 4:42]. “Because he just loves running down balls all over the place. I mean, you don’t have to worry about as much of the distance in the gap, cause he can cover so much ground out there.”

Tucker also emphasized how Crow-Armstrong’s defensive range helps the Cubs’ pitching staff by reducing the size of vulnerable gaps in the outfield coverage. At just 23 years old, Crow-Armstrong is having a standout season, establishing himself as a key component of the Cubs’ defense.

According to Fox Sports, Pete Crow-Armstrong is viewed as a strong contender for the 2025 National League MVP award, holding the second-best odds behind Shohei Ohtani. Tucker is also recognized among the top candidates, ranked fifth in the MVP odds. Crow-Armstrong, drafted 19th overall by the New York Mets in 2020, was traded to the Cubs in July 2021 in a deal involving Javier Báez and Trevor Williams. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has shared his perspective on the significance of that trade for the franchise.

Kyle Tucker’s Optimistic Outlook for Cubs’ Championship Chances

Kyle Tucker joined the Cubs during the offseason on December 13 in a trade that sent Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros. Despite initial skepticism over acquiring Tucker in his contract year, the 28-year-old has delivered impressive performances for the Cubs.

Jed Hoyer has expressed confidence in retaining Tucker for the long term, noting that a World Series victory this season would strengthen the Cubs’ position in contract negotiations. Tucker himself is motivated by the prospect of winning the championship with Chicago, having previously won the title with the Astros in 2022.

“I mean, the ceiling is winning the World Series,” Tucker said [From 0:46]. I’ mean, that was our goal coming into the season, going into spring training, and you know, I think we still have a really good shot at that. We have a really good team and, you know, hopefully we can all come together as a group at the end of the year, healthy and playing well, and, you know, get that job done.”

Tucker is expected to become a highly sought-after free agent after this season. Following the massive contract extension signed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the Toronto Blue Jays, Tucker is projected to secure a similarly lucrative deal. According to Sportrac projections, he could sign a 12-year contract surpassing $500 million.

Implications of Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Defensive Excellence for the Cubs

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s defensive presence is evolving into a cornerstone for the Cubs as they aim to contend for the postseason. His ability to cover the outfield not only supports the pitching staff but also boosts confidence across the roster. Alongside seasoned Gold Glove winners Ian Happ and Kyle Tucker, Crow-Armstrong’s growth signals a formidable Cubs outfield that could influence their chances deep into the season and beyond.

Kyle Tucker’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic as the Cubs strive to maintain health and cohesion through the final stretch. If the team can integrate their talents effectively, the Cubs could emerge as serious contenders for the World Series title.