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Pete Crow-Armstrong Receives New Nickname From Cubs Teammate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 4:50 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have had a successful season thus far, currently sitting with a 45-28 record on a three-game win streak that has propelled them to the top of the NL Central standings, where they now hold a commanding 6.5-game lead over both the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers.

This impressive performance is largely built around a potent offensive attack that has the Cubs ranked second in runs per game at 5.3 and second in hits per game at 8.8, while their overall offensive efficiency is further highlighted by a team-wide OPS (.324) and slugging percentage (.436), both good enough for fourth overall in MLB.

Leading the charge on offense is outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Crow-Armstrong has been a key contributor for the team with a batting average of .270, an OPS of .857, 19 home runs, and 58 RBIs in 72 games entering Thursday. His play this season has transformed the Cubs from hovering a few games over .500 to becoming a true contender, and he's emerged as an MVP candidate in the process.

After a Crow-Armstrong homer on Thursday, Cubs pitcher Justin Steele took to X and dropped a one-word statement on his teammate's breakout season.

"MVPCA," the Cubs pitcher nicknamed his teammate.

MVPCA
— Justin Steele (@J_Steele21) June 19, 2025

Steele himself is facing a significant setback, as he has suffered a UCL injury that will force him to miss the remainder of the season and possibly the start of next year.

In 2023, the 29-year-old left-hander had a 3.06 ERA and a record of 16-5, that helped him finish fifth in Cy Young Award voting and earn an All-Star nod. Last season, Steele posted a nearly identical 3.07 ERA over 24 games making his absence a notable blow to the Cubs’ pitching rotation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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