Pete Crow-Armstrong’s recent performance has sparked concern as he navigates a significant slump that has plagued him throughout the second half of the season. Despite a commendable recovery from a disappointing August with an improved September—thanks in part to his exceptional defensive skills—he has struggled immensely against the Padres’ pitching. Over the past two games, Crow-Armstrong has gone hitless in six at-bats, racking up five strikeouts and drawing attention to his difficulties at the plate.
With an undeniable swagger, Crow-Armstrong is feeling the pressures of expectations weighing heavily on him. He expressed his inner turmoil in a recent essay for the Players’ Tribune, acknowledging that he hasn’t been in top form and revealing how it’s impacted his self-identity within the game. “If I’m not me in the batter’s box… then who am I?” he reflected, highlighting the mental labyrinth he finds himself trapped in.
In the face of escalating pressure, Crow-Armstrong remains adamant about his confidence: “Zero. The confidence is in the same exact place it’s been all year,” he stated when questioned about his offensive struggles. His focus, he insists, is on his defensive game in center field and contributing to the team’s postseason aspirations rather than seeking personal accolades.
Unfortunately, his struggles appear even more pronounced against a backdrop of a faltering Cubs lineup. The team recently faced a shutout, pushing them closer to the brink of elimination. While they did manage to hit two home runs in a recent game, overall offensive performance has been subpar. The Cubs have only tallied two walks, both intentional, and have faced a sheer number of strikeouts—highlighted by an alarming 0-for-13 showing with nine strikeouts in three-ball counts across three games.
Crow-Armstrong was involved in two of those situations, striking out after being ahead in the counts against pitchers Dylan Cease and Mason Miller. The Cubs’ tendency to crumple under pressure and mismanage advantageous counts is evident and exacerbates their offensive struggles. To turn the tide, the team needs more targeted aggression at the plate; many of their hits have come early in the at-bat, but they also need to find ways to get on base, whether through walks or strategic plays.
With a decisive game on the horizon, there remains hope that just one well-timed swing can shift the momentum. Whether it be from Crow-Armstrong or another player stepping up, the Cubs are in desperate need of an offensive catalyst. Their path forward may require relying on a combination of patient plate discipline and assertive hitting against Padres pitchers like Yu Darvish if they hope to reignite their postseason journey.