CUBS’ CENTER FIELD SENSATION CRACKS TOP 50; ESPN HAILS PCA AS “FUTURE OF THE SPORT”
CHICAGO, IL—The “Summer of PCA” has officially transitioned into a global coronation. Today, ESPN unveiled its highly anticipated list of “The Top 50 Faces of Baseball,” and Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has not only made the cut but has been highlighted as one of the primary catalysts for a new era of Major League Baseball.
The 23-year-old’s inclusion in the Top 50 marks a meteoric rise for a player who, just a year ago, was fighting for a permanent roster spot. Now, according to ESPN, he is one of the definitive “faces” shaping the image of American baseball for a younger, more energetic generation.
BY THE NUMBERS: A “FIVE-TOOL” REVOLUTION
While the honor reflects his personality and marketability, PCA’s 2025 statistical resume provided the undeniable foundation for his selection. He finished the season as one of the most complete players in the National League.
| Metric | 2025 Performance | MLB Standing |
| bWAR | 5.4 | Ranked 20th among all position players; top 5 in the NL. |
| Home Runs | 27 | Shattered his “speed-only” prospect projection. |
| Stolen Bases | 31 | Remained a constant threat on the basepaths. |
| Defensive Value | +18 OAA | Consistently cited by SportsCenter as the “best defensive player in baseball.” |
| Postseason Clutch | .286 AVG in Wild Card | Led the Cubs past San Diego into the NLDS. |
WHY PCA? ENERGY, PERSONALITY, AND THE “WRIGLEY EFFECT”
ESPN’s editorial team noted that PCA was selected for more than just his “glove-work.” The profile emphasized his “unapologetic authenticity”—from his high-energy “mic’d up” segments on Sunday Night Baseball to his signature flair on the field.
“Pete Crow-Armstrong is what happens when elite athleticism meets a rock-star personality,” the ESPN feature noted. “He doesn’t just play center field; he performs it. In a city that worships icons, he has become the most electric figure to wear a Cubs uniform since the 2016 championship core.”
A NEW ERA FOR CHICAGO
Inside the Cubs’ clubhouse, the news was met with celebration but little surprise. Teammates like Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson have long championed PCA as the “heartbeat” of the team’s defense.
The honor caps off a 2025 campaign where Crow-Armstrong evolved from a “scary truth” that scouts were noticing to a household name. As the face of the Cubs’ image—and now one of the faces of the entire league—PCA has proven that the “next generation” of baseball is already here, and it’s wearing #52 in Chicago.
