Chicago Cubs rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong was showing off all his tools against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday and he even set a new 2024 MLB record with his legs. The left-handed hitting center fielder helped the Cubs salvage the series finale in Atlanta, going 2-for-4, with two RBI and a run scored as Chicago won 7-1.
Crow-Armstrong’s eighth-inning triple off veteran reliever Jesse Chavez was the 10th triple by a Cubs player this season and it was also the fastest recorded time by any player in the league running from home to third this year. PCA clocked in at 11.01 seconds racing to third base, which is now the top mark so far in the 2024 MLB season.
Cubs fans are well aware of Crow-Armstrong’s 80-grade defense, but his speed is also as good as it gets in the major leagues.
It’s still crazy to me how so many fans had written PCA off at the end of the 2023 season after he went hitless in 14 at-bats. I mean, sure, he looked bad, but 14 ABs scattered over three weeks, when he only had a handful of starts was in no way indicative of how good or bad Crow-Armstrong was going to be. Now that PCA has gotten a second stint in the majors and is actually receiving semi-regular playing time, fans are seeing that he can provide real value to a team and guess what, his hitting looks just fine.
Following his two-hit game Wednesday, Crow-Armstrong is now slashing .255/.316/.392, good for a .708 OPS and 103 wRC+ in 59 plate appearances. The rookie is also showing some savviness at the dish.
And it’s not like PCA’s numbers are flukey either. He’s making actual adjustments at the major league level and he’s putting up better numbers because of it.
So, a better approach at the plate, above average offense and great speed on the base paths from PCA, who also stole his fourth base of the season Wednesday night. But whatever the Cubs get from him on offense is just the cherry on top of the sundae because Crow-Armstrong is proving to be the real deal when it comes to his defensive prowess.
Yeah, that’s why Pete Crow-Armstrong is currently the number one rated prospect in the Cubs system. Even with average numbers on offense, all of PCA’s tools can make him a valuable player in Chicago for several years to come and if he does improve with the bat, then he has star potential.
Oh and how can you not love his enthusiasm for his teammates.
I love how much Pete Crow-Armstrong hypes up his teammates. The good vibes are back for the Cubs. pic.twitter.com/tNmCPcDn1R
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) May 16, 2024
So far so good for PCA in 2024 with the Cubs and I’d say he’s been doing more than enough to keep a spot on the active roster moving forward.
