With all due respect to Trent Grisham and other excellent defensive center fielders in the National League, we might be looking at the next Gold Glove award winner in Chicago Cubs prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Of course, several things would need to happen for that to be the case: that his bat develops enough for him to stay on the field and in the lineup every day, and that he stays healthy.
But they have the potential to happen and if that’s the case, his talent will speak for itself much like it’s happening these days.
Crow-Armstrong has a very interesting offensive profile, one that we will discuss in a minute.
His best attribute, however, is his incredible glove at the most premium of outfield positions.
Look at this:
Hey @Cubs, this kid's pretty good 😳🔥
PCA with ANOTHER gorgeous grab.
(via @Cubs) pic.twitter.com/FCKnjQeEwq
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 13, 2023
It isn’t the first highlight-reel play we have seen him complete in the last couple of days, and it certainly won’t be the last.
Everything from the read to the route, the speed and the range are absolutely impressive.
The kid is 21 years old, with his whole career in front of him, and he might already be one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball.
Offensively, he is really talented: he posted a .898 OPS in Double-A and a .829 mark in Triple-A.
Between the two levels, he hit 20 dingers and stole 37 bases.
He is still looking for that first MLB hit, but it’s a matter of time.
Again, if he doesn’t develop offensively, he is nothing more than a defensive specialist with a fourth-outfielder ceiling..
If his offense catches up with his defense and it translates to MLB, we might be talking about a future WAR king.
In any case, the defense is the carrying tool, and it’s mighty impressive.
NEXT: Justin Steele Keeps Rising Up Award List
