Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Mid-Season Transformation into an MVP Contender

San Diego — Pete Crow-Armstrong faced significant challenges early in the season when the Chicago Cubs wrapped up their first West Coast journey at Petco Park in late April. During those 119 plate appearances across 29 games, he hit just one home run. Frustration boiled over following another hitless performance in the Cubs’ series opener against the Padres. His response? Tossing his batting gloves in anger during pregame practice, signaling the start of his turnaround.

The transformation began with a three-run homer against Padres’ lefty Wandy Peralta on April 28, swiftly followed by a two-run homer off right-hander Matt Waldron. These games marked the beginning of his rise to MVP status. By the season’s end, Crow-Armstrong achieved a slash line of .288/.386/.624 and a 1.009 OPS, epitomizing his renewal.

Reflecting on the Padres series, Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the importance of persistence despite early struggles. “It could have been easy to let the year get away from me. But remembering the length of the season helps. Even when April and May seem long, knowing there are more games ahead offers hope for improvement,” he explained.

The Cubs, aiming to host the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, ended up facing the Padres on the road. Left-hander Matthew Boyd, instrumental last year, was pivotal again in Game 1. Offense improvement was crucial, especially during challenging weather conditions in the regular season’s final week. Crow-Armstrong led the lineup.

His previous postseason didn’t match hopes, as he wrapped up 5-for-27 without extra-base hits across eight playoff games. This year, expectations have shifted. “It’s a clean slate,” Crow-Armstrong said. “I have more to prove and more production to offer this club.” Having playoff experience bolsters his confidence.

Padres third baseman Manny Machado, familiar with MVP seasons, praised Crow-Armstrong’s growth into an MVP contender. “It’s awesome to see his season, achieving a 40-40 and leading the team,” Machado stated. “He took his game to the next level, which benefits the sport overall.”

Padres’ Game 1 starter Michael King anticipated Crow-Armstrong posing a challenge in the leadoff spot, aiming to contain him at the bases. Compared to the previous year, Crow-Armstrong approached the playoffs with a notable improvement in stats and performance.

Manager Craig Counsell recognized Crow-Armstrong’s journey, noting his previous hitting struggles. “He’d admit he was a bad hitter at times last year. It’s remarkable how someone with great talent can surprise you,” Counsell commented. Watching Crow-Armstrong play daily, he valued his contributions beyond the batter’s box.

Crow-Armstrong’s drive for improvement made him a key player in the league’s top offense. With regular season over, new goals lie ahead. “Anything can happen,” Crow-Armstrong concluded. “While appreciating the significance of this opportunity, I’m excited to face a strong team again and start the playoffs positively.”