The Chicago Cubs are looking to be a World Series contender in 2026. They have some outstanding talent throughout their roster, but there are some significant players who need to step up in order to do so. Let’s take a closer look at one player who could be the difference between Chicago’s season being a success or a failure.
Jeff Passan puts the 2026 Chicago Cubs season on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s shoulders
MLB: Boston Red Sox at Chicago Cubs
Jul 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) catches a fly ball hit by Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (not pictured) during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted his 2026 season preview, and when discussing the Cubs, he mentioned center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong being the player the season hinges on. Below is what Passan wrote about the outfielder heading into his age-24 season:
“Of all the players on the Cubs — and there are a lot of good ones — Crow-Armstrong is the most capable of carrying a team. Regardless of how he’s hitting, his defense in center field and speed on the basepaths are elite. When he’s hitting, though, as he did in the first half last season and in Team USA’s WBC game against Italy, he’s one of the 10 or 15 best players in the game. Yes, he doesn’t walk enough. Yes, he strikes out too much. Those two qualities tend to be sticky. But if PCA can walk a little more and strike out a little less, suddenly you’re looking at a true do-everything player. And when everyone on a team is good, greatness, or even potential greatness, tends to stand out.”
Crow-Armstrong is going to be a significant factor this season after showcasing his abilities last season. He was able to be the NL Gold Glove winner at center fielder and ninth in the NL MVP voting. Crow-Armstrong posted a .768 OPS with 31 homers, 95 RBI, 91 runs scored, and 35 steals on 43 attempts over 157 games. As a result, his presence in the lineup and in the field will be significant to winning games for Chicago. It will be intriguing to see how Crow-Armstrong plays in the 2026 season and if he can improve on his 2025 campaign.
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