The chants for MVP resounded among Chicago Cubs fans as Pete Crow-Armstrong crossed home plate. He had just launched a two-run homer into the right-field seats during the seventh inning, concluding a stellar four-hit performance. The Cubs celebrated an 11-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga kept the Pirates scoreless through six innings. The game drew the largest crowd at PNC Park since 2024, all witnessing Crow-Armstrong’s exceptional display.
Cubs fans’ cheers followed him both at home and on the road. “Any time you can give people something to cheer about, chant about, usually means you’re doing something right,” said Crow-Armstrong. He reveled in the support, finishing the game with three extra-base hits, including his 23rd home run, and securing three RBIs.
Facing off against Pirates ace Paul Skenes, Crow-Armstrong excelled, especially during the fifth inning with a go-ahead RBI double. Skenes initially caught him off guard with a full-count fastball earlier in the game, leading to a strikeout. However, in their next encounter, Crow-Armstrong adjusted to Skenes’ changeups, landing a crucial hit to center-field.
“I love facing Paul, he’s one of the best competitors in our sport,” said Crow-Armstrong. “It’s fun to go up against someone you really like.”
Crow-Armstrong’s success is rooted in moving past unsuccessful at-bats quickly. His ability to improve in-game and adapt has been invaluable to his season performance. After his third-inning strikeout, Crow-Armstrong prepared for Skenes’ fastball in their next matchup, successfully hitting the changeup for an RBI double.
“Buying into the bigger picture and the identity of this team has helped me personally,” he reflected. “It’s about controlling emotions and competing. Simple fixes that are sometimes hard to execute.”
As August approaches, Crow-Armstrong is a strong contender for the National League MVP. After Saturday’s game, he became the first MLB player to reach a 7.0 fWAR this season. His impressive .291/.390/.544 slash line with a 156 wRC+ enhances his MVP credentials.
With Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers sidelined due to knee issues, Crow-Armstrong has a clearer path to the MVP title, provided his offensive momentum continues.
“He’s got a lot of confidence right now,” noted manager Craig Counsell. “It makes him aggressively effective.”
The Cubs haven’t seen an MVP since Kris Bryant in 2016. Crow-Armstrong’s trajectory suggests a potential WAR above 10.0, a feat achieved by only 26 players in MLB history. The last National League player to achieve this was Barry Bonds in 2004. Notably, only three Cubs players have reached this mark: Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, and Rogers Hornsby.
By season’s end, Crow-Armstrong might claim one of the best individual seasons in Cubs history.
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