ATLANTA – At just 23 years old, Pete Crow-Armstrong has transformed into a unique dual-threat player for the Chicago Cubs, marking an extraordinary milestone in 2025 as the team’s season approaches the second half. Crow-Armstrong’s combination of home runs and stolen bases has never before been seen in Cubs history, a franchise dating back to 1876, making him a prominent MVP candidate this year.
Despite entering the season with modest career statistics—a .228 batting average, .282 on-base percentage, .370 slugging percentage, and only 10 home runs in 136 major league games—Crow-Armstrong has emerged with a rare blend of power and speed. Heading into the All-Star break, he has hit 25 home runs and stolen 27 bases, putting him on course for a 40-40 season, a feat no Cubs player has ever achieved.
Historical Context: Cubs’ Legacy of Speed and Power Compared to Crow-Armstrong’s Breakthrough
The Chicago Cubs have featured 45 Hall of Fame players and numerous talents capable of mixing power and speed, but none have matched Crow-Armstrong’s current impact. Notable players like Sammy Sosa came close, recording 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 1993 and 1995, but never reached the 40-40 mark. Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg hit 40 homers and 25 steals in 1990, and 26 homers with 54 steals in 1985, positioning him as a prior closest comparison.
Other players who have reached at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season include Cody Bellinger (2023), Javier Báez (2018), Corey Patterson (2004), Leon Durham (1982), and Frank Schulte (1911), but even those performances fall short of Crow-Armstrong’s explosive pace. The Cubs have never seen a power-speed player quite like Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Crow-Armstrong on Stats and Approach: Focused More on Team Success Than Personal Benchmarks
When asked about his impressive statistics, Crow-Armstrong remains grounded despite his breakout season. Reflecting on his progress during All-Star Game festivities, he admitted,
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t know what my stats were,”
Crow-Armstrong told CBS Sports.
“Currently, I know what they are, but that’s about it. I don’t translate it into ‘I wanna hit 40 homers or steal 30 bags’ or whatever the mark is.”
His stolen base total aligns with his reputation as one of the fastest players in Major League Baseball. Twins outfielder Byron Buxton singled out Crow-Armstrong alongside Reds’ Elly De La Cruz as players who inspire him.
“Those two guys stand out to me,”
Buxton said.
“Watching those guys helps me get better.”
Teammates’ Reactions: Kyle Tucker’s Friendly Rivalry Highlights PCA’s Speed
Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker, acquired by Chicago in the offseason, has taken note of Crow-Armstrong’s electric speed and infectious energy on the field. Earlier in the year, Tucker jokingly challenged his rookie teammate on stolen bases.
“I told him at the beginning of the year, I think I had like one more stolen base than him at the time, I said ‘I better not finish with more bases than you,’ especially with how fast he is,”
Tucker said.
“He’s got more than me now, so I expect him to finish with more than me. He’s been a lot of fun to watch and be part of the team with him every day.”
The Unexpected Rise in Power: A New Dimension to Crow-Armstrong’s Game
The biggest surprise in Crow-Armstrong’s breakout season is undoubtedly his power surge. While he displayed some home run ability in the minor leagues, tallying 41 homers across 240 games with only a handful at Triple-A, his current slugging percentage of .544 in the majors far exceeds his previous best at any minor-league level beyond A-ball. Last year, as a rookie, he managed just 10 home runs in 123 games with a .384 slugging mark.
Prior to the season, scouts viewed Crow-Armstrong as an elite base runner and a solid defender in center field, with any offensive production seen as a bonus. Instead, he has blossomed into one of the National League’s top power hitters, ranking fourth in home runs and seventh in slugging percentage as the season nears the All-Star break.
Technical Adjustments: How Changes at the Plate Boosted Power Numbers
Crow-Armstrong’s transformation can be partly explained by adjustments in his batting stance and approach. Initially, he stood upright with a straight front leg during plate appearances, but recent highlights show a more open stance, with a slight squat and a more forward front leg. Additionally, late last season, Crow-Armstrong began standing an entire foot further back in the batter’s box, a change confirmed by Statcast data.
He explained the reasoning behind these changes during spring training, saying,
“I’m definitely trying to give myself a chance to be able to see the baseball for as long as possible,”
Crow-Armstrong told MLB.com.
“I don’t really know if I’ve found my most comfy spot in the box yet, but I think there’s definitely something to being able to see the ball for as long as you possibly can, giving yourself time.”
These tweaks, combined with natural development and growing confidence facing top-tier pitching, have fueled Crow-Armstrong’s offensive explosion. While his speed was always elite, his power hitting has now caught up to make him a formidable all-around player.
A Legitimate MVP Contender Leading the National League
Crow-Armstrong’s outstanding season has not gone unnoticed, as he now ranks atop the National League in Wins Above Replacement (WAR), ahead of established stars like Juan Soto, James Wood, Fernando Tatís, and Shohei Ohtani. Betting markets reflect his rising stature, with odds of +600 to win the National League MVP award.
Despite his upward trajectory, Crow-Armstrong downplays individual accolades in favor of team success. He told CBS Sports,
“If I’m playing well, it usually translates to a better chance for the Cubbies winning more ballgames,”
adding,
“We’ve got a lot of guys who have a chance to hit these benchmarks, but we’re a good club because we worry about winning every day.”
Impact on Cubs’ Standings and Eyes on a Historic World Series Title
The contributions of Crow-Armstrong and his teammates have propelled the Chicago Cubs to first place in the National League Central as the season resumes after the All-Star break for the first time since 2019. Their record this year also marks their best position at the break since 2016, the year they secured their first World Series championship in 108 years.
Looking beyond personal milestones, Crow-Armstrong remains focused on the ultimate prize. Speaking about the allure of a 40-40 season, he said,
“Anything like [40-40] to be able to look back on is always nice and seeing the work that you put in to get there, but the goal is clearly to win the World Series,”
followed by,
“Any other accolade like 40-40 comes second to me.”
As Crow-Armstrong continues to lead the Cubs’ resurgence, his drive and multifaceted skills make him a key figure to watch in the pursuit of Chicago’s next historic championship run.