Pete Crow-Armstrong is on fire, and I don’t just mean in the literal sense of his bat meeting the ball. What he’s doing right now is the kind of stuff that makes you pause and think, ‘Is this guy for real?’ Let’s be clear: achieving a 20-20 season—20 home runs and 20 stolen bases—is already a rare feat. Doing it back-to-back? That’s the stuff of legends. But PCA isn’t just doing it; he’s doing it faster and more efficiently than almost anyone in MLB history. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how he’s rewriting the Cubs’ record books while still in the early stages of his career. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the potential those numbers represent.
One thing that immediately stands out is his ability to adapt. Take his performance against Dean Kremer, for example. Kremer’s splitter is no joke—it’s a pitch that’s baffled hitters all season. Yet, PCA not only hit one splitter for a home run but two in the same game. What many people don’t realize is how rare this is. According to Statcast, only three other players have done this since 2015. This isn’t just power; it’s precision, timing, and a mental toughness that’s hard to teach. If you take a step back and think about it, this kind of plate discipline and power combination is what separates the good from the great.
But here’s the kicker: PCA doesn’t seem phased by any of it. When asked about his historic achievements, he shrugs it off, saying, ‘I’ve got a lot more baseball to play.’ That kind of humility is refreshing in an era where every highlight feels overhyped. In my opinion, this mindset is what’s going to carry him through the ups and downs of a long career. He’s not chasing records; he’s just playing the game. And that, to me, is what makes him so dangerous.
What this really suggests is that PCA isn’t just a flash in the pan. He’s part of a larger trend in baseball where young players are redefining what’s possible. Think about it: he’s joining the ranks of players like Alfonso Soriano and Jose Canseco, who achieved similar feats in their prime. But PCA is doing it in a different era, one where analytics and training are more advanced than ever. This raises a deeper question: Are we witnessing the rise of a new breed of player? Someone who can combine speed, power, and discipline in ways we’ve never seen before?
A detail that I find especially interesting is his improvement against the splitter. Last season, he struggled against that pitch, hitting just .188. This year, he’s already got four home runs off it. That’s not just luck; that’s growth. It’s a testament to his work ethic and his ability to learn from his mistakes. From my perspective, this is the mark of a true superstar—someone who doesn’t just rely on natural talent but constantly evolves.
Looking ahead, I can’t help but wonder what’s next for PCA. If he keeps this up, we’re not just talking about a Cubs legend; we’re talking about a potential Hall of Famer. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For now, what’s most exciting is watching him in the moment, game after game, proving that he’s not just a stat sheet anomaly but a player who’s here to stay.
In the end, PCA’s story isn’t just about home runs or stolen bases. It’s about the kind of player—and person—he’s becoming. And if his current trajectory is any indication, the best is yet to come.
