Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) makes a diving catch against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs Star Extends MLB Lead In Key Defensive Category

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Jack Ankony | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 11:01 AM ET

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has admitted he didn't see this much power coming Pete Crow-Armstrong's bat, as he ranks seventh in MLB with 19 home runs after Tuesday's 452-foot moonshot.

But one surefire trait the Cubs and everyone else saw – even in 2021, when they traded for the 19-year-old, Single-A center fielder – was his elite defense. Crow-Armstrong is well on his way to winning multiple Gold Glove awards in center field, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see that begin this year. Quite simply, Crow-Armstrong has been one of MLB's best defenders at any position in 2025.

In a 5-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, Crow-Armstrong made one of his most difficult catches of the season. Brice Turang hit a line drive that appeared to be headed for the left center field gap, but Crow-Armstrong sprinted and made a diving catch while tumbling to the ground. It had a 5% catch probability, per Statcast.

This kid has been so impressive pic.twitter.com/v2lABdWOWb
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 18, 2025

That represents one of Crow-Armstrong's six catches that Statcast considers a 5-star out, or an out with a catch probability between 0% and 25%. He leads MLB in that category, while the second-place defenders, Victor Scott II and Wilyer Abreu, have just three 5-star catches.

Even more impressive, just 31 5-star catches have been made during the entire 2025 MLB season. They're spread across 24 players, and Crow-Armstrong has six of them. He's 6-for-11 on those opportunities, good for 54.5% for first place in MLB. Next is Myles Straw, who's 2-for-6, or just 33.3%.

The Cubs' center fielder also leads MLB outfielders with 12 outs above average, with Ceddanne Rafaela in second with 10. That's good for second Among all MLB defenders, behind shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.'s 15. Crow-Armstrong is tied for first with catcher Alejandro Kirk with a fielding run value of 12, and he's tied for fourth with 11 defensive runs saved.

It seems like the 23-year-old does something incredible every night for the first-place Cubs, whether it be at the plate or in the field.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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