CHICAGO, IL — The 2021 decision by the Chicago Cubs to trade fan-favorite Javier Báez (along with RHP Trevor Williams) to the New York Mets for an unproven, injured 19-year-old prospect named Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) was the painful first step of a rebuild. Now, the payoff for that patience is arriving, as the young center fielder is flourishing into the franchise player the Cubs envisioned.
PCA’s 2025 season is shaping up to be a true breakout, validating the front office’s faith in his long-term potential.
Historical Pace and Explosive Start
Crow-Armstrong, who is playing in every game this season for the Cubs, has demonstrated an elite blend of speed and power, culminating in a record-setting performance in March.
| Stat Category | 2024 Season (123 Games) | 2025 Season (Before April Close) | Comparison |
| Batting Average | .247 | .294 | Significant Rise |
| Home Runs | 10 | 5 | Pace for 25+ HR |
| Doubles | N/A | 9 | Strong Power Development |
| RBI | N/A | 17 | Consistent Production |
| Stolen Bases | 27 | 10 | Elite Base-Stealing Pace |
| Runs Scored | 46 | 21 | Nearly Half of Last Year’s Total |
Record-Breaking Feat: Following a stellar performance in Wednesday’s win, Crow-Armstrong became the first player in MLB history to record at least five home runs, 15 extra-base hits, and 10 stolen bases before the month of April was completed.
His current output, including scoring 21 runs already this season (nearly half of his total 46 runs scored in 123 games last year), highlights both his individual growth and the improved run-manufacturing capability of the Cubs’ offense.
The Trade’s Long-Term Vision
When the trade was executed, it was understood that Crow-Armstrong was years away. His rocky 2023 debut (0-for-16) was quickly forgotten by his solid rookie campaign in 2024, where he hit .237 with 10 HR and 27 SB in 123 games, officially exceeding his rookie limits.
Now, at age 23, the former first-round pick (19th overall in 2020 by the Mets) is exhibiting the five-tool skillset that made him one of baseball’s most coveted prospects. Scouts and analysts predict Crow-Armstrong has all the makings of a perennial superstar for the next decade, with the potential to be a Gold Glove center fielder who hits atop a contending lineup.
The success of the PCA trade is a huge win for the Cubs. Could you provide some analysis on the current long-term outlook for the Texas Rangers in the context of Corey Seager’s potential injury and their reported interest in a $28 million shortstop?
