Pete Crow-Armstrong's breakout is the key to the Cubs' hot start

Crow-Armstrong now has 12 homers, 36 RBI and 13 stolen bases through his first 45 games. Citing ESPN Stats and Information, ESPN's Jesse Rogers shared he is the first player in Cubs history with 12 or more homers, 30 or more RBI and 10 or more stolen bases through the first 45 games of a season. He also leads the team in batting average (.282) and hits (49).  

What's even more remarkable is that Crow-Armstrong could be even better if he improves his plate discipline. He has struck out 44 times, the third-highest mark on the team.

Once he solves this issue, Crow-Armstrong could keep ascending and become a cornerstone for the Cubs. 

"The most impressive thing about Pete and what is, I think, the hardest thing for a young players to grasp onto, is not only a belief in themselves, but how they can formulate a routine that maximizes their potential," Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson told Fox Sports Deesha Thosar in a story published Wednesday. "He's smart, he's really instinctual, and he's been able to feel through what works for him and what doesn't. 

"To be able to do that at a young age is really impressive." 

The Cubs are 26-19 and lead the National League Central. Crow-Armstrong's early surge has helped push them to the top of the division.