Cubs can’t risk offseason complacency with Pete Crow-Armstrong question looming

Chicago Cubs pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Tuesday, but most of the major league roster has already filtered in. Over the weekend, Alex Bregman arrived to camp, and how quickly he emerges as one of the team leaders will be one of the leading storylines for the team over the next two months. Pete Crow-Armstrong has already provided insight into Bregman's arrival, but the young center fielder could be the reason why Jed Hoyer and Co. don't feel like their work this offseason is complete.

Bregman's early arrival at camp certainly is better than how spring training started for the Cubs last year. The Cubs were chasing Bregman at the time, and didn't have the financial means to outbid the Boston Red Sox (or any other team involved in his bidding the last time around).

The Cubs may not have a similar free agency chase in spring this year, but Bleacher Report may have just provided a reminder of why they aren't done constructing their roster. Joel Reuter looked at the 10 biggest bust candidates among hitters this season, and Crow-Armstrong lands in the top five.

Cubs won’t survive this Pete Crow-Armstrong scenario without another move

Reuter's reason for why Crow-Armstrong could be a bust certainly shouldn't be any earth-shattering news for the Cubs front office. He pointed to the 23-year-old's struggles during the second half of the 2025 season while taking a spotlight to his strikeout rate, chase rate, and lack of walks.

All are valid reasons for concern, and could be the reason why Crow-Armstrong's performance during the first half of last year might be the exception to how his career projects. That being said, it would be in the Cubs' best interest if they did add another established veteran outfielder to the mix before Opening Day.

The Cubs already have a couple of veteran options in camp with Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick, but neither can be viewed as an established fourth outfielder given their recent struggles. Top prospect Kevin Alcantara needs to fix his swing-and-miss problems before becoming a real option.

Mike Tauchman remains available on the free-agent market, and this is the move that makes the most sense for the Cubs. Tauchman is already familiar with most of the players on the team, and at this point in his career, likely would be content with the role of a fourth outfielder on a contending team.