The Chicago Cubs are riding a red-hot offensive streak, building momentum with back-to-back wins over division rivals. After an 8-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates, they overwhelmed the Milwaukee Brewers with a dominant 10-0 shutout under the national spotlight. The Cubs exploded for nine runs in the first two innings, showcasing just how dangerous their lineup has become.
Cubs’ Offense Ignites in Milwaukee
Several players contributed to the blowout, including Michael Busch, who launched his first career grand slam. But it was Pete Crow-Armstrong who truly stole the show, going deep twice and making his presence felt. The 23-year-old outfielder didn’t hold back when speaking to reporters after the game.
“Hitting in this lineup is just easy,” Crow-Armstrong said. “Batting in the seven spot lets me fly under the radar. I’ve never played in a lineup like this—it’s the biggest difference-maker for me.”
Surrounded by proven bats like Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ, Crow-Armstrong isn’t expected to carry the team, but his recent surge is helping elevate the Cubs into one of the most feared offenses in the league. Known for his elite speed and defense, his bat is finally catching up. According to Baseball Savant, he ranks in the 95th percentile for sprint speed, 94th in arm strength, and leads the league in defensive range in center field.
Breakout Year for PCA
This season, Crow-Armstrong is delivering at the plate with a .271 batting average, .309 on-base percentage, and .550 slugging—good for an .859 OPS. With 1.8 fWAR in just 32 games, he ranks fifth in the entire league, trailing only Aaron Judge, Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Corbin Carroll.
Though it’s still early, he’s on pace for over 9 fWAR—a mark only three players reached last year—putting him in the conversation for MVP-level impact in just his third MLB season.
Originally acquired in the 2021 trade that sent Javier Báez to the Mets, Crow-Armstrong is emerging as the kind of electric, high-energy star Cubs fans missed after Báez’s departure. He’s quickly become a Wrigley Field fan favorite, bringing a spark to the bottom of the lineup. If his bat continues to impress, Kyle Tucker may soon face a challenge for the title of the team’s top outfielder.
