The Chicago Cubs have been active this offseason, bolstering their pitching staff by signing left-hander Matthew Boyd and acquiring relievers Ryan Pressly from the Astros and Ryan Brasier from the Dodgers. They also made a major move by trading for outfielder Kyle Tucker from Houston in December.
While these additions strengthen the roster, MLB.com’s Mike Petriello believes one of the most intriguing players for the Cubs in 2025 isn’t a new arrival—it’s center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
A Potential Breakout Season for Crow-Armstrong
“When you’re as elite of a defender and runner as he is, you don’t need to hit much to be valuable,” Petriello noted. According to MLB.com’s David Adler, Crow-Armstrong was worth +23 fielding and baserunning runs in 2024, making him the most valuable speed-and-defense player in the game.
However, offensive production remains key. In the first half of last season, he struggled at the plate, hitting .203 with a .582 OPS. But in the second half, he improved significantly, raising his average to .262 with a .736 OPS. His strikeout rate also dropped from 26% to 23%, while his hard-hit rate jumped from 29% to 43%.
If he can maintain some of that offensive improvement, his elite defense and speed could make him an All-Star-caliber player.
What to Expect in 2025
With Cody Bellinger now with the Yankees, Crow-Armstrong is set to be the Cubs’ everyday center fielder. His elite defense will be crucial for the team, as he already ranks among the best in baseball.
Last season, he posted a +16 fielding run value, placing third among all defenders. His ability to cover ground and make difficult plays gives the Cubs’ pitchers extra confidence, knowing they have a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder behind them.
His defensive highlights from 2024—whether robbing extra-base hits with leaping grabs at the wall or making full-extension diving catches—showcase his potential to become one of the best defensive outfielders in the game.
Elite Baserunning That Disrupts Opponents
Crow-Armstrong isn’t just fast—he’s one of the most efficient and dangerous baserunners in baseball. He ranked seventh in MLB with a +6 baserunning run value, outpacing stars like Shohei Ohtani and Elly De La Cruz. His elite speed enhances both his defensive range and base-running ability.
With a sprint speed of 30.0 feet per second last season, he was one of just seven players to reach that elite threshold. His quickness allows him to take extra bases, steal bags, and put pressure on opposing defenses. For a Cubs team aiming to capitalize on every scoring opportunity, his presence at the top or bottom of the lineup could be a major asset.
His Role in the Lineup
While Cubs manager Craig Counsell has indicated that Crow-Armstrong won’t begin the season as the leadoff hitter, the young outfielder still showed flashes of promise in 2024, hitting 10 home runs and stealing 27 bases in 123 games.
If he can improve his on-base consistency, he could eventually earn a spot higher in the order. Even if he starts lower in the lineup, his upside makes him a strong breakout candidate for 2025.