Cubs' Crow-Armstrong Aims for Consistency, Improvement in 2026

After an All-Star season that faded in the second half, the Cubs outfielder is focused on refining his approach at the plate.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Chicago Cubs star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is looking to build on his All-Star campaign in 2026 by focusing on improved consistency and plate discipline. After a hot first half that earned him an All-Star selection, Crow-Armstrong struggled in the second half as his chase rate and swing decisions led to a dip in production. He's worked closely with veteran teammates like Justin Turner and new addition Alex Bregman to refine his approach and get his on-base percentage back up.

Why it matters

Crow-Armstrong is a key part of the Cubs' lineup and their hopes of making the playoffs this season. If he can find more consistency at the plate and cut down on chasing bad pitches, it would be a major boost for the Cubs' offense. His development is also being watched closely as he prepares to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic this spring.

The details

Crow-Armstrong started the 2025 All-Star game after a torrid first half that saw him hit 25 home runs and steal 27 bases. But his production fell off a cliff in the second half as his on-base percentage dropped to just .280 and his chase rate spiked to 41.7%. He acknowledges his aggressive approach at times led to him swinging at too many bad pitches, something he's worked to correct this offseason with the help of veteran teammates.

  • Crow-Armstrong will leave Cubs camp at the end of February to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic in early March.
  • Last season, Crow-Armstrong made the 2025 MLB All-Star team after a strong first half performance.

The players

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A 24-year-old outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who is looking to build on his 2025 All-Star season with more consistency at the plate.

Justin Turner

A veteran Cubs player who took the young Crow-Armstrong under his wing last season to help mentor him.

Alex Bregman

A new addition to the Cubs this offseason who has already started working closely with Crow-Armstrong on refining his approach and plate discipline.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, who is focused on Crow-Armstrong's continued development rather than the specific numbers on his stat line.

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What they’re saying

“I know what I do well. I know what I don't do well. I know that I chase, I know that I can get away with hitting bad balls and doing damage on bad balls, but the consistency -- there is no consistency there really. It's very sporadic.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong (abc7chicago.com)

“I think the sky is the limit for him. He can do anything on a baseball field. We've talked mostly about swing decisions and how dominant he is when he swings at good pitches to hit...The more that he refines his game, he's going to continue to get better and better and better.”

— Alex Bregman (abc7chicago.com)

“When you get to that good place you never thing its going to go away. That's the devil of hitting. He's a young hitter learning a lot...The goal for Pete is to keep improving. Let's not stress out about the shape of the season. Let's just keep improving. That's my goal.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Crow-Armstrong and new teammate Alex Bregman will leave Cubs camp at the end of February to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic in early March.

The takeaway

Crow-Armstrong's development is crucial for the Cubs this season as they look to return to the playoffs. By refining his plate discipline and cutting down on chasing bad pitches, he has the potential to take another big step forward and solidify himself as one of the game's rising young stars.