CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season ended earlier than hoped, with a postseason exit that stung Wrigley Field faithful. Yet, amid the disappointment, one undeniable truth emerged: Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) is the cornerstone of a dazzling Cubs future. The 23-year-old outfielder’s breakout campaign in 2025 showcased a rare blend of power, speed, and defensive brilliance, cementing his status as one of MLB’s brightest young stars.
PCA’s Historic Regular Season
Crow-Armstrong’s 2025 stats, as detailed in the sports card above, were nothing short of spectacular. In 157 games, he posted a .247 batting average, 31 home runs (5th in NL), 95 RBIs (T-2nd), 37 doubles (1st), 91 runs scored (3rd), and 35 stolen bases (3rd). His .481 slugging percentage (3rd) and .768 OPS (7th) underscored his offensive leap, while his 146 hits (7th) highlighted his consistency. These numbers mark PCA as one of only three Cubs—joining Sammy Sosa and Ryne Sandberg—to approach a 30-30 season, a feat that hints at a potential 40-40 chase in 2026.
Defensively, PCA was a revelation. Ranking among the NL’s top five in Defensive WAR (2nd), putouts (2nd), total catches (2nd), range factor (3rd), and fielding percentage (5th), he proved himself a center-field savant. His uncanny ability to track fly balls and limit errors (5th) made him a Gold Glove contender at just 23, drawing comparisons to legends like Andruw Jones.
Postseason Lessons and Resilience
The postseason, however, exposed PCA’s growing pains. Across eight playoff games, he struggled, hitting .185/.214/.185 with 5-for-27, 12 strikeouts, no home runs, no doubles, and three RBIs. Yet, his response reflected maturity beyond his years. “The postseason didn’t go how I wanted, but I’ll learn from it,” PCA said. “This is just the beginning.” His first October stint, while underwhelming, is a rite of passage for young stars—think Alex Rodriguez’s early playoff woes before his 2009 ring. With time, PCA’s clutch potential will sharpen.
The Cubs’ Bright Horizon
PCA’s emergence is a beacon for Chicago’s championship aspirations. Paired with Justin Steele’s $105M extension and Kyle Tucker’s trade acquisition, the Cubs boast a young core poised to dominate. Crow-Armstrong’s elite defense, paired with his offensive upside, positions him as a future MVP candidate (+600 odds in 2025). His adjustments at the plate—adopting a squatting stance and moving back in the box—unlocked his power, and further refinement could make him a perennial All-Star.
As the Cubs rebuild toward a 2026 title run, PCA’s hunger and versatility make him indispensable. Fans chanting “PCA! PCA!” at Wrigley envision not just a star, but a legend in the making—one who could carry Chicago back to World Series glory for the first time since 2016.
