“Getting to look in the dugout after that ball hits the foul pole is one of the more rewarding things as I go about my day. But I think this is a sport where you should appreciate those moments,” Crow-Armstrong added.

 

The Cubs’ remarkable success so far this season has been a group effort. The well-constructed team is getting great play out of newcomer Kyle Tucker, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and others. But Crow-Armstrong’s efforts in his second season can’t be ignored.

PCA is slashing .287/.319/.589 and is now up to 14 home runs, 13 doubles, 45 RBI, 40 runs scored and 14 stolen bases, And he’s pairing All-Star offensive production with Gold Glove-caliber defense in center. The combination of skills has earned Crow-Armstrong high praise.

It would appear Chicago has a budding superstar on its hands. Which makes the Cubs’ failure to sign Crow-Armstrong to an extension all the more frustrating. The former first-round draft pick turned down a $75 million contract offer from the Cubs, betting on himself this season. So far, that has worked out quite nicely. For him.