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MLB: Chicago Cubs at New York Mets May 11, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) looks up at his solo home run during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs’ 23-year-old outfielder continues to put himself among the league’s best

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated May 12, 2025 1:30 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs’ bats were a bit inconsistent at times in their six-game stretch last week, but they still found a way to win a couple of games against two strong teams. They began their week at home against the Giants, where the long ball and a massive five-fun bottom of the sixth frame propelled them to victory in game one of the set. Ian Happ and Carson Kelly left the yard in the seven-run victory, as Kelly has tapped into some unheard of power early on in his first season with the organization.

After dropping three straight contests, a much needed 6-5 win on Saturday against the Mets got Chicago back on the right track. The game featured the Cubs scoring the first four runs, which included a Dansby Swanson solo homer. Brett Baty drove in all five runs for New York via two long balls of his own, and Porter Hodge slammed the door shut in the ninth inning.

Some good came out of the weekend for the Cubs despite dropping the series. Their young budding star joined another group of superstars in the home run and stolen base category.

Pete Crow-Armstrong remains among the best in baseball

After clubbing out his 10th home run of the season on Sunday, Pete Crow-Armstrong is now one of three players in all of baseball to have 10 homers and 10 stolen bases so far this season. He joins Shohei Ohtani and his teammate Kyle Tucker on this short list, proving that he is one of the best outfielders in the entire league. PCA played in 123 games a season ago at the big league level, but it took him until this season to be fully settled and comfortable at the plate.

Crow-Armstrong has been a sensation for the Cubs and has earned himself plenty of money in the process so far this year. After he turned down a deal worth $75 million in April, he has proven to be a true game changer and a player worth building around moving forward. PCA is slashing .264/.304/.535 for a .838 OPS in his 41 games played in this season. The phenom even got the chance to hit leadoff in the final two games of the New York series due to Ian Happ nursing an oblique injury.

The Chicago Cubs’ need their bats to get hot again quick

MLB: Texas Rangers at Chicago Cubs Apr 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) high fives Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after he and first baseman Justin Turner (3) score during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

While it is unrealistic for the Cubs to have as hot of an offense as they have had so far this season, they need their bats to get going again quickly. Due to their bullpen being inconsistent and their starting rotation being banged up, the offense is going to have to shoulder the load even more as summer nears.

With the exception of third base, there really hasn’t been a true weakness in Chicago’s lineup. Both catchers have swung the bat well and Swanson is returning to form a bit after going through his slump at the end of April. As long as everyone can stay healthy, this unit at the dish can remain one of the top ones in all of baseball.

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers MLB: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee BrewersMay 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) is greeted by manager Craig Counsell after hitting a three-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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