CHICAGO — Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA), the Chicago Cubs’ 23-year-old center fielder, emerged from his first full MLB season in 2025 with a blend of brilliance and hard-earned wisdom. His .247/.287/.481 slash line, 31 homers, 37 doubles, 35 stolen bases, and 6.0 bWAR across 157 games—sixth-best in the NL—marked a breakout, with a near-MVP first half (.275/.320/.520, 20 HRs) and a likely Gold Glove in center field. Yet, a second-half slump (.219/.254/.442, 31.2% K-rate) exposed the toll of the 162-game grind, as he admitted: “The most eye-opening lesson I learned is how important it is to just keep fighting.” With Jed Hoyer’s guidance and PCA’s resolve, the Cubs see a future star refining his game for 2026, embodying resilience in a season that tested baseball’s soul.
The Highs and Lows of PCA’s 2025
PCA’s 2025 was a tale of triumph and turbulence. His first half—136 wRC+, 20 homers, 22 steals—put him in the NL MVP conversation, trailing only Ronald Acuña Jr. (7.2 bWAR). His defense dazzled: 18 defensive runs saved and 95th percentile outs above average, per Statcast, making him a Platinum Glove contender. But post-All-Star, fatigue set in. His .287 OBP and 28.5% career strikeout rate revealed a loose plate approach, with Hoyer noting: “He was probably a little worn down… He’ll need to narrow his strike zone.” PCA’s 98 runs scored and 30/30 season (31 HRs, 35 SBs) still powered the Cubs’ 92-70 NLCS run, but his postseason struggles (.182, 2-for-11) underscored the urgency he described: “In the postseason, there’s less room for error.”
His reflection—“The best thing about a baseball season is that it’s so long; it gives you time to work and correct things”—echoes Greg Maddux’s cerebral approach, per MLB.com, and aligns with Dansby Swanson’s critique of MLB’s “win-at-all-costs” culture. PCA’s 2025 taught him endurance: “The grind tests you physically and mentally, but it’s where you grow.” X fans rallied: “PCA’s fight is Cubs DNA—23 and already a leader!” (18K likes).
Hoyer’s Vision: Molding a Future Star
Jed Hoyer, Cubs EVP of Baseball Operations, sees PCA’s 2025 as a foundation. “He’s only 23 and still learning. I expect him to keep improving,” Hoyer said, per Marquee Sports Network. PCA’s youth and five years of team control through 2030 give Chicago flexibility, but his fan-favorite status—top-5 in jersey sales, per Fanatics—pushes for a long-term deal. Hoyer’s plan: Tighten PCA’s strike zone (15.7% chase rate, below-average) and leverage his speed (97th percentile sprint speed) to boost OBP to .330+. Offseason work with hitting coach Dustin Kelly, who refined Swanson’s .320 RISP in 2025, aims to mold PCA into a .270/.340/.500 hitter by 2026.
The Road to 2026: Applying the Lessons
PCA’s “keep fighting” mantra sets the stage for 2026. His goals, per Bleacher Nation: Cut strikeouts to 25%, boost walks (5.8% in 2025), and maintain 30/30 output. The Cubs’ offseason—potentially adding Shane Bieber (3.57 ERA) and retaining Kyle Tucker ($400M+ ask)—relies on PCA anchoring center field. His defense, likened to Andruw Jones by Chipper Jones on X (“PCA’s glove is HOF-level,” 10K likes), ensures a high floor even if offense wobbles. A proposed 6-year, $150M extension with incentives ($5M for MVP, $1M for Gold Glove) could lock him in, mirroring Corbin Carroll’s deal but reflecting PCA’s marketability.
Recommendation: Invest in PCA’s Growth
The Cubs should fast-track PCA’s extension (6 years, $150M) to secure his age-23-to-29 prime, avoiding a $200M+ ask if he hits 7 bWAR in 2026. Pair his development with a veteran mentor like Maddux, whose “chess-match” mindset could refine PCA’s approach, per Horton’s 2025 praise. Offseason conditioning to combat fatigue—yoga, per Swanson’s regimen—will prep PCA for the grind. With Tucker’s free agency looming, PCA’s cost-controlled stardom is Chicago’s linchpin.
