As the Cubs took down the Nationals 8-6 on Tuesday, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong nearly set a new career-best home run mark.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has been on a tear in 2026, firmly placing himself in the MVP conversation. On Tuesday, Crow-Armstrong continued his dominant performance in an 8-6 victory over the Washington Nationals.
The outfielder may have went just 1-for-5 overall, but he made his lone hit count. Crow-Armstrong’s third inning home run was 111.5 MPH off his bat, tied for the second-hardest hit home run of his career, via Sarah Langs of MLB.com.
Crow-Armstrong’s blast traveled 437 feet, and at the time simply drew Chicago one run closer to Washington at 3-2. Luckily for him, his Cubs teammates were able to come through offensively, helping move the franchise to 70-50 on the season.
Following Tuesday’s game, Crow-Armstrong is now hitting .285 with 27 home runs, 72 RBIs and 30 stolen bases through his first 120 games. The outfielder leads Chicago in batting average, home runs, RBIs and stolen bases. Needless to say, the franchise’s push towards operating as true contenders has been spearheaded by Crow-Armstrong’s breakout.
Calling it a breakout may be unfair based on the outfielder’s 2025 performance. He broke onto the scene, earning his first All-Star nomination by hitting .247 with 31 home runs, 95 RBIs and 35 stolen bases. But with plenty of time until the end of the regular season, Crow-Armstrong is well on his way to setting new career-highs.
Whether or not that earns PCA a MVP title is yet to be seen. However, he and the Cubs have their eyes set on their biggest goal of winning a World Series title. If Crow-Armstrong continues hitting like he has at the plate, their chances of success become much greater.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has been on a tear in 2026, firmly placing himself in the MVP conversation. On Tuesday, Crow-Armstrong continued his dominant performance in an 8-6 victory over the Washington Nationals. The outfielder may have went just 1-for-5 overall, but he made his lone hit count.