Dansby Swanson saw something special in Pete Crow-Armstrong’s three-hit game against the Royals in late July. He described it as a “controlled, intentional process” that harnessed the rookie’s usual energy and fire. Afterward, Swanson texted Crow-Armstrong with a simple message: “Whatever you did today, we need that every day.”
Since then, Crow-Armstrong has delivered, showcasing the all-around skills the Cubs hoped for when they acquired him. Despite a tough 6-5 loss to the Rockies on Saturday, Crow-Armstrong continued to shine, hitting his ninth home run of the season and stealing his 27th base. Last year, he made his MLB debut at Coors Field, but this season, he’s become a key player.
Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly noted that Crow-Armstrong now fully believes in his place in the Major Leagues, which has been a game-changer for him. Over his last 42 games, he’s posted a .308/.357/.510 slash line with impressive stats, including six home runs and nine stolen bases. This is a huge improvement from his earlier season struggles.
Crow-Armstrong credits his recent success to a focus on routine and self-belief. He’s learned to manage self-doubt and stay confident, thanks to advice from Cubs manager Craig Counsell about maintaining a consistent routine despite inevitable mistakes.
After Saturday’s loss, Crow-Armstrong remains optimistic, saying, “We can’t let this game define the last two weeks. And it won’t.”