Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Silver Slugger buzz puts his rocky finish in perspective

Pete Crow-Armstrong was named a National League Silver Slugger finalist on Wednesday, and for as deflating as plate appearances may have been during the Chicago Cubs' playoff run, the recognition was a reminder of how high the ceiling is for the former first-round pick. Crow-Armstrong is joined by Kyle Tucker as a finalist among National League outfielders, and each may have been a surprise to Cubs fans.

As was the case with Tucker, Crow-Armstrong was making a strong case to be the National League MVP during the first half of the 2025 season. Crow-Armstrong slashed .265/.302/.544 during the first half with a wRC+ of 131 and 25 home runs. Named to the National League All-Star team, it was a reminder of how dynamic Crow-Armstrong can be when he is the offensive force he was during the opening months of the season.

The issue, as was the case for most of the Cubs' offense to close out the season, regression came for the 23-year-old outfielder. During his final 246 plate appearances of the regular season, Crow-Armstrong slashed 216/.262/.372 with a wRC+ of 72 and 6 home runs.

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Silver Slugger momentum could flip Cubs’ offseason plans

First and foremost, Crow-Armstrong will be 24 at the start of the 2026 season. That alone is reason to not put too much stock into the struggles the young outfielder showed during the playoffs. It certainly didn't look pretty, especially when he would routinely look like a madman after flailing during his at-bats, but regression was inevitable for Crow-Armstrong in 2025. He was swinging at everything during the opening months of the season and was being rewarded. Pitchers adjusted, and we are at the point where an adjustment is needed from the Cubs.

That is a natural ebb-and-flow to expect from an ascending superstar. Crow-Armstrong hasn't quite reached superstar status, but Wednesday's reveal was an indicator that it's on the way.

The Silver Slugger nomination is also a reminder for the Cubs to prioritize an extension for Crow-Armstrong this offseason. Assuming he does make the adjustment back, his price is only going to go up with each passing day.

While uncertainty looms after the 2026 season, an extension for Crow-Armstrong would likely be grandfathered into any altered payroll structure with the new collective bargaining agreement. More incentive for the Cubs to get a deal done with Crow-Armstrong this winter.