Pete Crow-Armstrong is sparking a huge debate for the Chicago Cubs.

One side is looking at his disappointing batting numbers and worrying that the $115 million young star is losing his form.

The other side believes that even with his batting cool, Pete Crow-Armstrong remains one of the team’s most valuable players.

And after what just happened against the Chicago White Sox, that debate has become more intense than ever.

While the Cubs continue to struggle with lineup inconsistency, Crow-Armstrong produced one of the most incredible defensive plays of the season with a laser-like center field shot to catch Andrew Benintendi at second base — a moment that instantly sent Wrigley Field into a frenzy. (sportingnews.com)

That’s the perfect reminder of what makes PCA special.

Even when he’s not hitting well… he can still change the game with just his defense.

And that’s why the Cubs still see him as an “untouchable piece” for the future.

The truth is, Crow-Armstrong’s 2026 season is incredibly complicated.

On offense, he’s going through his most disappointing period since becoming a star in MLB. According to recent statistics, PCA is batting around .241-.242 with an OPS of around .620, his strikeout rate has increased sharply, and his barreling ability has decreased significantly compared to last year’s breakout season. (sportingnews.com)

That’s a huge shock to the Cubs.

Because just a year ago, Crow-Armstrong was considered the embodiment of the franchise’s future.

In the 2025 season, he exploded like a true superstar: 31 home runs, 95 RBIs, rare speed-power, and even joined the Cubs’ legendary 30-30 club. He also became an All-Star and won the Gold Glove thanks to his almost alien-like defense at the center field.

It was this performance that led the Cubs to offer him a massive $115 million contract extension.

But baseball is always cruel.

MLB pitchers began to find PCA’s weaknesses. According to many professional analyses, the biggest problem currently lies in his chasing too many pitches outside the strike zone — which allows pitchers to constantly exploit his impulsive approach.

And the result is a noticeable decline in numbers.

Barrel rate dropped sharply.

OPS plummeted.

His ability to make hard contact is no longer as formidable as before.

At one point in April, many television experts even called Crow-Armstrong the “biggest disappointment” among MLB center fielders this season.

But interestingly…

The Cubs continued to win.

And PCA continued to play a crucial role in their victories.

That’s what makes the 24-year-old so different.

Crow-Armstrong’s defense is now considered elite not only among outfielders — but in all of MLB. His cover ground speed, ball-reading reflexes, and especially his cannon arm save the Cubs countless runs each month. His recent throw to take down Benintendi is just the latest example.

Many Cubs insiders believe that, if only considering defense, PCA is still a top National League Gold Glove contender.

And his value doesn’t stop there.

Despite struggling hitting, Crow-Armstrong still exerts tremendous pressure on basepaths thanks to his exceptional speed. He continues to steal base effectively, distracting pitchers and frequently creating chaos for opposing defenses.

Coach Craig Counsell recently hinted that the Cubs aren’t panicking about PCA.

They understand that a player like Crow-Armstrong can impact the game in many ways beyond batting average.

And in fact, signs of a resurgence are beginning to appear.

In recent weeks, PCA has had crucial moments that helped the Cubs win key games — including a tie-breaking home run against the Reds and numerous clutch defense plays at Wrigley.

That’s why so many Cubs fans still have immense faith in him.

Because Pete Crow-Armstrong’s talent has never disappeared.

It’s just going through a transitional phase.

And remember this:

He’s only 24 years old.

Many MLB superstars have gone through a phase where pitchers “figured them out” before learning to adapt and explode back stronger. The Cubs believe PCA will be no different.

In fact, even in what was considered a “downturn” season, Crow-Armstrong still contributed significantly to WAR thanks to his elite-level defense and baserunning. That shows just how high his standards are.

And if his bat gets hot again?

The rest of the National League could be in huge trouble.

Because the best version of Pete Crow-Armstrong is not just a good center fielder.

He’s the kind of player who can change the fate of an entire franchise.

And the Cubs still believe that day hasn’t disappeared from Wrigley Field.