The Chicago Cubs began the season with high expectations, largely thanks to the impressive early performance of Pete Crow-Armstrong as their starting center fielder. Once doubted for his hitting, the former first-round pick quickly silenced critics by launching 15 home runs during the initial two months, positioning himself as a potential MVP candidate. However, this strong start has since unraveled, with Crow-Armstrong now struggling through a prolonged offensive downturn that places both his individual accolades and the Cubs’ postseason ambitions at risk.
Ongoing Struggles at the Plate and Plate Discipline Concerns
August has proven particularly challenging for the 23-year-old Crow-Armstrong, who is currently in the midst of a 3-for-37 slump and has failed to hit a single home run this month. A glaring issue has been his inability to draw walks, reducing opportunities to reach base and contribute offensively. This decline in plate discipline has compounded his batting woes, raising serious concerns about his ability to regain form promptly.
“Pete Crow-Armstrong is 3-for-37 (.081) in August. He hasn’t recorded an RBI. He hasn’t drawn a walk. He hasn’t hit a home run in three weeks. pic.twitter.com/fMipU4fpYP” — Dan Clark, Sports Analyst
Despite these struggles, Crow-Armstrong remains three home runs shy of achieving a 30-30 season—an impressive milestone for a player of his age. While hitters commonly experience slumps at some point during the season, the Cubs urgently need him to reverse his fortunes to maintain their playoff edge.
Value Beyond Hitting: Defensive Skills and Base Running
Not all aspects of Crow-Armstrong’s game have suffered; his defense and speed on the bases continue to be standout attributes. Widely regarded as one of the premier defensive center fielders in the league, he consistently contributes through his range and fielding ability. His elite speed also remains a critical factor for the Cubs, helping generate runs when he manages to get on base despite current offensive challenges.
Impact on Cubs’ Playoff Position and MVP Prospects
The Cubs have experienced a steep decline in the National League Central race. From holding a 6½-game advantage in mid-June, Chicago now lags eight games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the division thanks to a 12-game winning streak. Consequently, the Cubs’ focus has shifted toward competing for an NL wild-card spot, where they currently share the top position.
Crow-Armstrong’s chances in the NL MVP race have faded significantly. FanDuel Sportsbook now lists his odds at +10000, effectively removing him from serious consideration. While his defensive prowess and baserunning are valuable, MVP recognition is heavily weighted toward offensive excellence, which Crow-Armstrong has failed to sustain this season.