The dedication expressed by Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) to fight “his hardest” in 2026 is a welcome vow for the Chicago Cubs fanbase, especially following a 2025 season that was a true tale of two halves for the young center fielder. His desire to show gratitude is fueled by an undeniably massive breakout year that saw him achieve an extremely rare milestone.
The 2025 Breakout: A True 30-30 Star
PCA delivered a performance in 2025 that secured his place as a franchise cornerstone and a leader in the clubhouse:
| 2025 Regular Season Stats | Performance | Highlights |
| Games Played | 157 | Became the everyday center fielder. |
| Home Runs (HR) | 31 | Massive power surge for a young player. |
| Stolen Bases (SB) | 35 | One of the most aggressive and successful baserunners. |
| Gold Glove Award | YES | Recognized as an elite defender in center field. |
| All-Star Status | YES | Named an NL All-Star in his first full season. |
| 30-30 Club | YES | First Cubs player to join the 30-Home Run, 30-Stolen Base club since Sammy Sosa. |
The “Fight Harder” Challenge
The reason for PCA’s determination to “fight harder” in 2026 is rooted in the significant second-half slump he experienced, which tempered the extraordinary expectations set by his MVP-caliber start:
- First Half (Pre-All-Star Break): PCA was elite, slashing .265/.302/.544 with 25 HR and 27 SB.
- Second Half Slump: He struggled badly after the break, batting just .216 and posting an OPS that fell off a cliff.
- Offensive Area for Growth: His biggest issue remains plate discipline, as his .287 OBP for the season is extremely low for a top-of-the-lineup hitter, despite the strong power and speed.
His commitment is a direct response to this late-season regression, promising to adjust and sustain his performance across the entire 162-game schedule.
The Promise: The 2026 Outlook
PCA is projected to be the Cubs’ starting center fielder and a core piece of the 2026 lineup. If he can maintain the elite defense while improving his consistency at the plate, he will undoubtedly live up to his promise and cement his status as the new face of the Cubs franchise.
This extension is a clear signal that the Cubs will be relying on him—not free agents—to be the dynamic force in the outfield for years to come.
