Cubs’ Playoff Hopes Rest on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Ability to Regain Form
As the Chicago Cubs navigate a critical stretch in the MLB season, a glaring issue looms large over their playoff aspirations: the performance of center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Once a beacon of hope for the franchise, Crow-Armstrong’s recent struggles could very well determine the Cubs’ fate as they strive for a postseason berth.
From Leading the Pack to Chasing Rivals
On July 6, the Cubs were in a comfortable position, boasting a four-game lead in the National League Central. The outlook was promising, and fans had plenty of reasons to be optimistic. However, as the days turned into weeks, the Cubs’ momentum stuttered. Their rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, seized the opportunity, surging past the Cubs in the standings.
By July 27, the two teams found themselves tied for the top spot in the division, but the Cubs’ fortunes continued to decline. Fast forward to August 15, and the Cubs were facing a daunting nine-game deficit in the divisional race. Fortunately for Chicago, the Brewers have cooled off, allowing the Cubs to inch back into contention. As of September 4, they find themselves six games back but clinging to the coveted No. 1 wild card spot in the National League.
A Star in Decline
Central to the Cubs’ recent struggles has been the performance of Crow-Armstrong. As an All-Star center fielder, expectations were high, but his production has faltered at a critical juncture. While fellow All-Star Kyle Tucker also faced his own challenges, there was a tangible explanation for Tucker’s downturn—a hairline fracture in his finger that severely impacted his batting. Following a brief respite from manager Craig Counsell, Tucker appears to have regained his rhythm, showcasing an impressive .364/.462/.727 slash line over his last 12 games, including four home runs and four doubles.
In stark contrast, Crow-Armstrong has been mired in one of the least productive months in recent MLB history. His August numbers paint a bleak picture: a dismal .160/.216/.230 slash line that reflects a significant downturn in his capabilities at the plate. As noted by analysts, his OPS (on-base plus slugging) and wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) were among the lowest in the league as the month drew to a close.
Fastball Fiasco
The core of Crow-Armstrong’s struggles seems to lie in his inability to handle fastballs effectively. In August, he was hitting a mere .111 against fastballs, a statistic that raises alarm bells for a player of his caliber. His 42.3% chase rate ranks him in the second percentile, indicating a tendency to swing at pitches outside the strike zone—a critical flaw that has led to disappointing whiff, strikeout, and walk rates.
To compound matters, Crow-Armstrong’s current .789 OPS is the lowest it has been since April 20, while his OPS of .452 and wRC+ of 23 in August are the worst of any qualified MLB batter during that stretch. Such numbers not only reflect a player struggling to find his footing but also put immense pressure on the Cubs as they seek to solidify their standing in the playoff race.
Navigating the Path Forward
As the Cubs approach the final weeks of the regular season, the spotlight is firmly on Pete Crow-Armstrong. For Chicago to maintain their playoff position, a resurgence from the young center fielder is essential. The team needs him to find his swing and reclaim the offensive prowess that once made him a key contributor. The stakes could not be higher, and the Cubs’ postseason dreams may very well hinge on Crow-Armstrong getting back on track.
