Pete Crow-Armstrong, the young star who recently made headlines for his standout performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently expressed his growing admiration for Chicago in an interview with Chicago magazine. He said, “I love Chicago more and more. The people are great. They give a (bleep).” This statement highlights the deep connection he has with the city and its passionate fan base. The quote is likely to remain a talking point as the baseball world waits to see if the Chicago Cubs and the Dodgers will meet in the playoffs.
On Wednesday, Crow-Armstrong delivered a strong showing against the Dodgers, hitting two home runs and driving in four runs. During the same game, Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers also put up impressive numbers, hitting two home runs and driving in three runs. Despite Ohtani’s stellar performance, Crow-Armstrong’s impact on the field was undeniable, further fueling the ongoing MVP race.
Hoyer’s bold move pays off
Crow-Armstrong’s rise to prominence has been the result of a bold trade made by Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer. However, Hoyer’s gamble has paid off handsomely. Crow-Armstrong, now 24 years old, has continued to impress, hitting 25 home runs and stealing 25 bases for the second consecutive season. His success has not only elevated the Cubs but also turned him into a local figure in Los Angeles, where Dodgers fans view him with growing disdain.
MVP talk and priorities
The MVP conversation has taken center stage as Crow-Armstrong’s name continues to be mentioned in the same breath as Ohtani. However, when asked about his aspirations, Crow-Armstrong made it clear that while the award is a point of pride, it is not his primary focus. “It’s fun to joke about,” he said. “But it’s not following me up to the plate.” Instead, his main goal is to lead the Cubs to a playoff series against the Dodgers, where he hopes to make a significant impact. Ohtani, on the other hand, has taken a different approach, stating that his focus remains on improving his hitting and eventually returning to the pitcher’s mound. “I’m really working towards hopefully getting back,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to his personal goals.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has struggled with a poor win-loss record, has not followed the MVP race closely. “I have followed what Pete’s doing.” Roberts acknowledged Crow-Armstrong’s contributions at the plate and praised his ability to perform under pressure. This sentiment reflects a growing trend among critics who are eager to shift attention away from the controversial Dodgers.
Dodgers drama and MVP debate
Crow-Armstrong’s rise in the MVP conversation is occurring at a time when fans are eager to find someone to root against the Dodgers. The team’s recent acquisition of pitcher Tarik Skubal and the controversy surrounding Ohtani’s interpreter, who is currently in jail, have further intensified the anti-Dodgers sentiment. This climate has allowed Crow-Armstrong to become a symbol of resistance, with many Americans tired of the Dodgers’ continued success.
Despite his impressive stats, Crow-Armstrong is a far cry from Ohtani in terms of physical attributes. He stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 184 pounds, while Ohtani is taller and heavier. Ohtani also throws harder and hits farther, making him a more traditional candidate for the MVP award. Nonetheless, voters are still closely watching Crow-Armstrong’s progress, and his unique style has captured the attention of the baseball community. The Chicago Cubs displayed Ohtani's impressive fWAR of 6.4 on their scoreboard during the recent series against the Dodgers, but also highlighted that Crow-Armstrong’s fWAR of 7.3 is nearly an entire point higher.
Crow-Armstrong, who often sports red hair and flowers on his cap, has become a polarizing figure in baseball. While some fans view him as a fresh face in the MVP race, others see him as an underdog challenging the dominance of the Dodgers. “It’s awesome to be in the same conversation as Ohtani,” he said. “But I would feel more accomplished taking down the Dodgers.” This statement encapsulates his current mindset and highlights the growing excitement surrounding his potential role in the upcoming playoffs.