Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong Aims for Consistency in 2026 Season

As the Chicago Cubs prepare for the 2026 Major League Baseball season, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is focused on improving his performance after a mixed 2025 season. Following an All-Star first half where he hit 25 home runs and stole 27 bases, Crow-Armstrong's performance declined significantly in the latter half, where he managed only six home runs and an on-base percentage of 26%. This inconsistency has prompted him to reassess his approach at the plate.

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Crow-Armstrong acknowledges that his swing mechanics and decision-making were inconsistent last season. He noted, “I know that I chase, I know that I can get away with hitting bad balls... but the consistency there is... very sporadic.” His chase rate of 41.7% indicates a tendency to swing at poor pitches, which he recognizes as detrimental to his overall performance. He expressed a desire to improve his on-base percentage, stating, “I would love to just be on base more.”

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The Cubs' management and veteran players are optimistic about Crow-Armstrong's potential for growth. Newcomer Alex Bregman has begun mentoring him, focusing on refining his approach at the plate. Bregman remarked, “I think the sky is the limit for him,” while Crow-Armstrong emphasized the value of their discussions about improving his swing and reducing his chase rate. Cubs manager Craig Counsell has also expressed confidence in Crow-Armstrong's abilities, prioritizing improvement over past statistics.

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The Cubs enter the 2026 season with aspirations beyond merely making the playoffs. The team aims to build on their previous successes and enhance their overall performance. Crow-Armstrong's development is seen as crucial to these goals, as he is expected to play a significant role in the team's success.

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Despite the optimism surrounding Crow-Armstrong, some analysts have pointed out the risks associated with relying on a player who has shown significant fluctuations in performance. Critics argue that without consistent improvement, the Cubs may struggle to meet their ambitious goals for the season.

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As part of his preparation, Crow-Armstrong will join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic in early March, which presents both an opportunity for growth and a potential challenge in maintaining focus on his development with the Cubs.

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• “I know what I do well. I know what I don't do well,” — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Center Fielder, Chicago Cubs

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• “I think the sky is the limit for him," Bregman said on Friday.” — Alex Bregman, Infielder, Chicago Cubs

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• “When you get to that good place you never thing its going to go away," Counsell said with a smile.” — Craig Counsell, Manager, Chicago Cubs

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As the Cubs and Crow-Armstrong embark on the 2026 season, the focus remains on achieving consistency and capitalizing on their collective potential to compete at a higher level.

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