“They got the power, they got the speed, to be the best in the National League.”
The Chicago Cubs are 39-23 and have the best record in the NL ahead of a three-game series with the Detroit Tigers.
Chicago has dealt with a brutal April schedule and tough injuries yet have remained on top in the standings.
One reason for that is the breakout of centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
The 23-year-old five-tool player has been remarkable at the plate after a tough 2024 campaign, mashing 16 home runs and driving in 53 runs while slashing .275/.312/.557.
According to ESPN, Crow-Armstrong has 3.9 wins above replacement, trailing only Aaron Judge (4.9) in that stat.
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Bleacher Report released an article about bold takes 60 games into the season and dubbed Crow-Armstrong as the NL Most Valuable Player thus far.
If you have watched Crow-Armstrong play this season, it really isn’t a bold take.
What he is doing defensively and on the bases is incredible. Crow-Armstrong is well on his way to his first Gold Glove award and potentially the Platinum Glove, while being on pace for 42 home runs and 55 stolen bases.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is still the favorite to secure his fourth MVP award, but if Crow-Armstrong can continue his dominance the rest of the season, he will certainly be a finalist.
Factoring in that he does it all on the field, Crow-Armstrong is building a strong case to bring the award back to Chicago for the first time since Kris Bryant won it in 2016.
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