Cubs’ Crow-Armstrong Targets Consistency and Breakout in 2026

Pete Crow-Armstrong enters 2026 with a sharper focus on consistency. He’s hoping to turn his breakout first half in 2025 into something he can sustain all year.

He opened last season as an All-Star, racking up 25 homers and 27 steals before the break. After that, though, things got rocky—his production dipped, and his on-base percentage fell to .260, with just six homers the rest of the way.

Crow-Armstrong points to a faulty setup in the batter’s box and an overly aggressive approach as the culprits. That aggression led to a 41.7% chase rate, which, honestly, is just too high.

The Cubs have worked closely with him to refine his swing. He feels like the big mechanical changes from the last three years are finally behind him.

Now, his goals are straightforward: cut down the chase rate, get on base more, and bring back the plate discipline he showed earlier. With Alex Bregman and veteran Justin Turner offering advice in camp, Crow-Armstrong has a shot at building a steadier, more mature approach at the plate.

Balancing a Breakout with Consistency

In a season that promised a new blend of power and speed, Crow-Armstrong made a real impact. The first-half surge showed he could hit for power and run wild.

But the second half exposed some gaps. It’s a challenge—how do you keep those aggressive instincts without losing control at the plate?

Root Causes of the Second-Half Slide

The main issue wasn’t about talent. The problem was an approach that got out of sync.

A shaky setup in the box made him even more aggressive. That drove his chase rate up and kept him from getting the most out of good pitches.

He could still crush mistakes early in the year. But chasing too many bad pitches eventually ate away at his OBP and overall impact.

Over the last three years, Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs have tweaked his swing mechanics. He says those changes are settled now, and he feels ready to trust the adjustments this spring.

Targeted Adjustments and 2026 Goals

With a cleaner swing and a more disciplined approach, Crow-Armstrong has set some clear benchmarks for 2026. He wants to bring back the plate discipline that once defined his game and use it to boost his on-base percentage.

He’s determined to keep driving the ball and stay aggressive on the bases.

• Lower the chase rate to see more strikes and get better at-bats.
• Raise the OBP by turning more walks and singles into real scoring chances.
• Regain plate discipline by finding the right balance between power and contact, and not swinging at borderline pitches just to make something happen.

He’s not looking for a total overhaul. It’s about steadying the swing and making better decisions.

The Cubs want to see progress that sticks, not wild swings from one week to the next.

Influence of Veterans and International Prep

In camp, Crow-Armstrong’s had the benefit of learning from two guys who really get what it takes in big moments. Alex Bregman has been hands-on, talking through approach and swing decisions.

Justin Turner brings a veteran’s perspective on timing and reading pitchers. Their mentorship gives Crow-Armstrong practical feedback as he tests new adjustments in live sessions.

The vibe around the team feels different now—more about gradual improvement than chasing perfection right out of the gate. That lines up with manager Craig Counsell’s philosophy: just keep getting better, day by day.

Team USA WBC Prep as Growth Catalyst

Crow-Armstrong will head out of spring camp with Bregman to join Team USA for World Baseball Classic prep. He sees it as a rare chance to test his new mechanics against top-tier pitching.

It’s a stretch where he can build confidence and speed up his growth in a competitive, international setting. The experience could end up being huge for translating all these camp tweaks into game-ready performance when he’s back with the Cubs after the WBC.

Looking Ahead: A Player to Watch in 2026

Crow-Armstrong’s journey toward consistency is getting interesting. The 2026 season will show if all that groundwork in spring actually sticks.

If he manages to blend power with patience, he could turn into a real cornerstone for Chicago’s lineup. He’s got lessons from Bregman, Turner, and Counsell rattling around in his head—will those finally click into a steady, reliable approach?

Scouts and fans are definitely watching. Is this early All-Star sprint just a flash, or the start of something more sustainable?

 
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