Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) has been named among the ten potential breakout stars of 2025, according to a report by David Adler at MLB.com. Arriving in April after the injury to center fielder Cody Bellinger, PCA immediately impressed manager Craig Counsell and his staff. Forcing his way into the everyday lineup after being called up on May 30, the rookie was, at times, a human highlight reel. With elite speed, arm strength, and throwing accuracy, Crow-Armstrong is already a highly prized player. But as Adler points out, true stardom awaits the 22-year-old if he can figure out how to hit.
The Education of Pete Crow-Armstrong
A Raw Talent of Exceptional Value
A former first-round draft pick by the New York Mets, Crow-Armstrong will turn 23 on March 25. Adler points out that the Cubs’ top prospect of 2024 “graded out as a plus all-fields hitter.” But his 88 OPS+ last season was a minus in an otherwise highly promising season for the California native
A quick eyeball test of PCA in action immediately reveals what the stats bear out. Baseball Savant ranks him near the top of MLB in baserunning and fielding run value, fielding range, arm strength, and overall value. He finished sixth in triples and 13th in stolen bases (27) despite appearing in only 123 games. His first-pitch, inside-the-park home run against the Miami Marlins on August 23 was one of the highlights of the season in MLB.
What’s more, that play came in an August that saw the rookie slash .314/.375/.558 with four home runs and 17 RBI in 86 at-bats. League averages for the season were around .290/.312/.425. And therein lies the rub. For the season, PCA never really touched those averages, which accounts for his low OPS+. His overall slash line was .228/.282/.370.
The Path is Wide and the Walking Good
Crow-Armstrong’s August surprise was the result of time spent working with Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly. Kelly and his assistant John Mallee worked with the young prodigy for several days, honing his patience and zone awareness
PCA definitely responded well to that instruction. That’s a good sign for any player. Other recent Cubs stalwarts (Javier Báez comes to mind) have resisted instruction and have failed to excel at the plate as a result.
The goal for Crow-Armstrong heading into spring training should be to improve his pitch count and zone awareness. He has good bat speed and a solid swing. If he can get his on-base percentage at or above league average, that alone would make him a serious threat.
With better pitch selection should come a high batting average. If that improves, then the slugging percentage should follow soon after. There’s no telling what the timeline is for this development, or if PCA will be able to make the necessary adjustments. But the experience last August is an indication that he’s capable.
A Potential Superstar
There’s no question that Pete Crow-Armstrong could become one of the breakout stars of 2025. His potential as a contributor to Chicago’s resurgence is obvious. In his first full season on the Cubs’ roster, he could easily win a Gold Glove and he could be an All-Star if his bat continues to improve
Along with fellow sophomore Michael Busch, PCA leads the crest of a wave of talent coming through the Cubs farm system. But to truly lead the team into the future, he will have to improve his performance at the plate. If he can do that, he has a chance to become one of MLB’s superstars.
