Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP Journey with the Chicago Cubs

In late April, Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs faced a challenging start to the season during their first West Coast trip. Crow-Armstrong managed only one home run in his initial 119 plate appearances over 29 games. His struggle was evident when his frustrations culminated in a pregame practice incident at Petco Park. He discarded his batting gloves angrily before heading into the clubhouse. This marked the beginning of his transformation into an MVP season.

The Cubs’ right fielder, Seiya Suzuki, observed batting practice before a wild-card series against the Padres on September 28, 2026. Crow-Armstrong’s turning point came with a three-run homer off Padres’ left-hander Wandy Peralta on April 28, followed by another home run against right-hander Matt Waldron. These performances were the precursor to his remarkable season. From that game onward, Crow-Armstrong posted impressive statistics, achieving a .288/.386/.624 slash line with a 1.009 OPS.

It could have been easy to let the year get away from me, but day in and day out I think there was just a regular reminder that it’s a long season.” – Pete Crow-Armstrong

Crow-Armstrong reflected on the April May timeframe. While feeling the season’s length, he realized how many games remained. This acted as a continual reminder of the time available to improve. He expressed pride in his contributions to the team’s successful regular season, feeling he played a part in their position entering the playoffs.

The Cubs fell short of hosting the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, instead playing the Padres on the road. Left-hander Matthew Boyd, crucial in last year’s Game 1, will be critical again. The Cubs need strong offensive performances, especially from Crow-Armstrong at the top of the lineup. His first postseason in 2025 was challenging, with a second-half slump contributing to a 5-for-27 record with no extra-base hits in eight games.

Crow-Armstrong approaches this postseason with a fresh perspective, eager to improve his performance. Despite the Cubs’ relatively similar team dynamics, it’s a new year and a clean slate for him. He’s eager to capitalize on this opportunity, viewing the playoff environment as thrilling and poised for new experiences.

Manny Machado, the Padres’ third baseman, understands MVP caliber seasons, having achieved four top-5 finishes. Though he hasn’t seen Crow-Armstrong play since June, he acknowledges his impressive journey. Crow-Armstrong transitioned into a player capable of leading a team, as demonstrated by his 40-40 season. Machado noted Crow-Armstrong’s potential in past glimpses. His rise in performance has been commendable, and Machado embodies admiration for his achievements.

After witnessing Crow-Armstrong evolve, Padres’ Game 1 starter Michael King anticipates a challenge with Crow-Armstrong in the leadoff position. Last year’s contrasting statistics are evidence of his growth, as Crow-Armstrong finished the previous season with a .216 average and .614 OPS over the last six weeks. Manager Craig Counsell remarked on Crow-Armstrong’s self-admission of performance struggles but recognized his remarkable turnaround.

According to Counsell, Crow-Armstrong surprised even with innate talent, delighting those who saw his daily play. Crow-Armstrong’s ability extends beyond batting into dynamic field plays, such as tag-ups on challenging fly balls. His commitment to improvement propelled him into a central role on the team, contributing to the Cubs’ strong offense.

As the playoffs commence, the Cubs’ focus shifts to overcoming immediate challenges. Despite the regular season achievements, Crow-Armstrong recognizes the unique and exciting opportunity before them. He aims to appreciate the thrilling experience while staying focused. The Cubs’ postseason journey begins with this fresh opportunity, looking to initiate their playoffs with a strong performance.