Pete Crow-Armstrong’s season began with challenges. During the Chicago Cubs’ first West Coast trip in late April, his early performance was not as expected. By then, he had only one home run in 119 plate appearances across 29 games. After another hitless outing against the Padres, his frustration showed during batting practice, tossing his gloves into the trash. This moment signaled the start of a turnaround that led to an MVP-level season.
In the next games, Crow-Armstrong hit a three-run homer off lefty Wandy Peralta, followed by a two-run homer against right-hander Matt Waldron. These performances marked a shift. From that period, he achieved a .288/.386/.624 slash line with a 1.009 OPS for the remainder of the season.
It could have been easy to let the year get away from me, but day in and day out I think there was just a regular reminder that it’s a long season.– Pete Crow-Armstrong
Crow-Armstrong highlighted the importance of patience over a long season. Even by April and May, despite feeling lengthy, he reassured himself with the number of games still ahead. His team, playing well, provided extra motivation.
Despite falling short of hosting the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, the Cubs face a rematch against the Padres. Left-hander Matthew Boyd starts Game 1, with hopes to inspire the offense. Crow-Armstrong, at the top of the lineup, aims to improve from last year’s playoffs, where he ended 5-for-27 without extra-base hits.
Facing a clean slate this postseason, Crow-Armstrong feels the pressure as the likely National League MVP. He sees it as an opportunity to deliver more to the team. “I think I’ve got some more to prove and I’ve got some more production to give this club, but it’s a new year,” Crow-Armstrong stated, acknowledging the team’s familiar dynamics but embracing the same challenges.
Manny Machado, Padres third baseman, recognizes the journey to an MVP-caliber season. Although he hasn’t seen Crow-Armstrong play since June, Machado has noticed his growth and praises his achievements.
It’s been great to see the season he’s had, 40-40, putting that team on his back. I’d seen it coming. The last couple years, it’s been a little glimpse here and there of what he can do, and, obviously, he took his game to the next level.– Manny Machado
In the current playoffs, Padres’ Game 1 starter Michael King anticipates a challenge from Crow-Armstrong leading off. This marks a contrast from the previous year’s average performance.
Manager Craig Counsell commented on Crow-Armstrong’s transformation. “Let’s be honest, he’d tell you that he was a bad hitter at times last year… Even guys with great talent can surprise you, and that’s what Pete did.” Crow-Armstrong’s instinct and energy on the field complement his batting improvements.
As the playoffs begin, the focus shifts from regular-season successes to the immediate challenges. Crow-Armstrong is ready for postseason battles, aiming to contribute effectively and lead the Cubs deeper into October.
Anything can happen. There’s elements of you don’t want to treat it like anything bigger than it is, but you also want to appreciate how cool and special this is.– Pete Crow-Armstrong
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