Chicago Cubs rookie sensation Pete Crow-Armstrong is riding the rollercoaster of his first full MLB season. He’s got plenty of raw talent, but he’s also leaning on veteran teammates and coaches to keep his head on straight.
After a tough stretch that dragged his batting average down to .163 since August 1, the 22-year-old outfielder finally caught a break. Some well-timed rest, strong leadership from manager Craig Counsell, and a little wisdom from the old guard have helped him bounce back. Now, with the Cubs eyeing the playoffs, Crow-Armstrong’s resurgence feels like it couldn’t have come at a better moment. The team’s hoping he can keep up the energy alongside MVP frontrunner Shohei Ohtani.
The Slump That Sparked a Rebound
Even the most promising rookies hit rough patches. Crow-Armstrong’s first big slump showed up in August, right when the season started to drag.
His numbers took a nosedive during those long, hot days. Manager Counsell decided to pull him from the lineup for three games, hoping a little break would help the rookie reset.
Turns out, it was the right call. Crow-Armstrong came back with two singles and knocked in a pair of runs in a key win over the Nationals. He looked like himself again, playing loose and sharp, just the way you want your young guys to play.
Counsell’s “Next Play” Mentality
Counsell’s leadership has made a real difference for Crow-Armstrong. He’s always telling his players to “move on to the next play,” which sounds simple but isn’t always easy in a sport that loves to dwell on mistakes.
For Crow-Armstrong, that attitude is huge. The MLB season is long and brutal, and you’ve got to let go of the bad stuff fast if you want to survive.
Veteran Influence in the Cubs’ Clubhouse
No rookie figures it all out alone. Crow-Armstrong’s progress owes a lot to the guys who’ve already been through the wringer.
Carlos Santana joined the Cubs not long ago but has already become a real mentor. He noticed when Crow-Armstrong was struggling and stepped up with some advice and encouragement. You can’t fake that kind of perspective—15 years in the big leagues will do that for you.
Different Leaders, Different Styles
Santana brings intensity, and Crow-Armstrong says it pushes him to be better. Justin Turner hasn’t played much this season, but he’s been a calming presence in the clubhouse, sharing what he’s learned from years of success.
Ian Happ has also chipped in, teaching Crow-Armstrong how to handle Wrigley Field’s weird winds and the late-afternoon sun. Those little tips can make all the difference for an outfielder in crunch time.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Elite Production
Even with the slump, Crow-Armstrong’s value is obvious. He’s put up a league-leading 6.3 WAR, showing he’s making a difference everywhere—at the plate, in the field, and on the bases.
His speed and defense stand out, and he’s got a knack for stepping up when it matters. August was rough, but he’s still one of the most exciting players on the roster.
Eyes on October Glory
The Cubs are basically locked into the playoffs, and Crow-Armstrong’s timing couldn’t be better. Before his slump, he was putting up numbers that rivaled Ohtani’s MVP pace.
If he can keep this up, he might just be the spark the Cubs need in October. Wouldn’t that be something?
Key Takeaways from Crow-Armstrong’s Journey
Crow-Armstrong’s story is all about resilience and adaptability. He’s learned a lot from strong leaders, both in the dugout and out in the field.
- Rest and reset can be just as crucial as practice when you’re trying to break a slump.
- Mentorship matters — different leadership styles can really shape how a young player thinks.
- Defensive mastery at Wrigley Field means figuring out its weird, unique conditions.
- WAR leadership highlights value that’s much deeper than just batting averages.
The Cubs want to lock in a playoff spot and maybe—just maybe—make another World Series run. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s comeback could end up being a huge piece of that puzzle.
Here is the source article for this story: The people behind PCA: How four key figures have helped Cubs CF blossom into a star
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