After a dazzling All-Star season that took a dramatic nosedive in the second half, Chicago Cubs sensation Pete Crow-Armstrong is determined to rewrite his story in 2026. Fresh off representing Team USA in the WBC, he’s stepping into centerfield for a playoff-bound Cubs squad with one goal in mind: consistency. But here’s where it gets intriguing—Crow-Armstrong openly admits his weaknesses, acknowledging his tendency to chase bad pitches and the sporadic nature of his success. ‘I know what I do well, and I know what I don’t,’ he candidly shared from spring training in Mesa, Arizona. ‘The consistency just isn’t there yet.’
Last season, Crow-Armstrong’s first half was nothing short of spectacular—25 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and an All-Star Game start. But the second half? A different story. His on-base percentage plummeted to 26%, and he managed just six home runs. The culprit? A flawed setup in the batter’s box and an over-eagerness to swing at pitches he should’ve left alone. ‘When my setup was off, my swing fell apart,’ he explained. ‘The mechanical issues took over, and the results followed.’
And this is the part most people miss—Crow-Armstrong’s 41.7% chase rate last season wasn’t just a number; it was a mindset. While he initially thrived on making contact with bad pitches, he now recognizes the long-term consequences. ‘I’m not practicing to hit those bad balls,’ he admitted. ‘I want to be on base more, and that means being smarter at the plate.’
But here’s the silver lining: Crow-Armstrong’s swing isn’t broken—it’s evolving. Over the past three years, he’s made significant strides, and he’s quick to credit the process. Yet, he’s equally critical of his .280 on-base percentage and 55% swing rate. ‘That’s no fun,’ he said. ‘I had more fun when I was disciplined and doing damage on good pitches.’
Enter Alex Bregman, the Cubs’ newest addition, who’s already taken Crow-Armstrong under his wing. Bregman’s take? ‘The sky’s the limit for him. He can do anything on the field.’ Their conversations have focused on swing decisions and refining Crow-Armstrong’s approach. ‘He’s going to keep getting better,’ Bregman predicted. ‘It’s all about making smarter choices at the plate.’
Cubs manager Craig Counsell isn’t sweating the stats. Instead, he’s focused on one thing: improvement. ‘The goal for Pete is to keep getting better,’ Counsell said. ‘Let’s not stress about the season’s shape—let’s just focus on progress.’
But here’s where it gets controversial—Crow-Armstrong is leaving spring training early to join Team USA for the WBC. While some worry this could disrupt his preparation, he’s ecstatic about the opportunity. ‘We’re going to be really good,’ he gushed. ‘I’m so stoked to be around the best players in the world.’
Is Crow-Armstrong’s focus on consistency the right move, or should he lean into his aggressive style? And will his WBC experience be a setback or a springboard? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
