How Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP year carried Cubs to MLB playoffs
espn.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong made history in 2026 by becoming the seventh MLB player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season, leading the Cubs to clinch a playoff berth.
- Crow-Armstrong's outstanding season has made him the favorite for the National League MVP Award, with exceptional improvements in on-base percentage, plate discipline, and performance against left-handed pitching.
- His combination of elite offensive skills and game-changing defense in center field sets him apart, earning praise from teammates, opponents, and baseball executives alike.
- Despite the pressure, Crow-Armstrong has maintained consistency, health, and a team-first mentality, contributing as a reliable presence in a Cubs lineup affected by slumps and injuries.
- Cubs teammates and rivals recognize Crow-Armstrong as a transformative player whose all-around excellence is a key factor in Chicago's postseason success and hopes for a deep playoff run.
