It sounds like the Cubs are close to bringing back Pete Crow-Armstrong

During an interview on 670 The Score on Wednesday, Chicago Cubs General Manager Carter Hawkins discussed Pete Crow-Armstrong's red-hot run with Triple-A Iowa in the last week, and what seems like his imminent return to the big-league roster.

"He really hasn’t missed a beat. That’s been super encouraging. So, he’s made a really, really strong case. I think there’s a decent chance that we’re a better team with him up here. That’s a decision we’re going to make sooner rather than later."

- Carter Hawkins on Parkins and Spiegel

Crow-Armstrong was optioned back to the minors on May 20 when Dansby Swanson returned from the injured list, and to say he took the demotion in stride would be an understatement. The 22-year-old was named the International League Player of the Week after hitting three home runs, four doubles and stealing five bags for the Iowa Cubs.

A particularly flashy moment came when Crow-Armstrong hit a no-doubt home run after the opposing pitcher almost hit him on two different pitches in the at-bat. The young outfielder hyped up the crowd after spiking his bat into the ground and sticking his tongue out while crossing home plate. Some baseball purists might scoff at this behavior, but I'd argue that this is the type of flare the Cubs need at the big-league level right now.

Cubs need Pete Crow-Armstrong's talents sooner rather than later

It's no secret that the Cubs offense is stagnant right now, and has been the main culprit in a horrendous month of May (10-15 entering Thursday). A fresh jolt from the young outfielder could be just what the team needs to break out of this funk, as Crow-Armstrong is one of the only players in the organization who can manufacture runs almost single-handedly.

His speed is invaluable in times of offensive drought, and Crow-Armstrong has shown that he can bunt for a hit, steal bases and leg out close plays to take an extra 90 feet. His presence on the bases is also a nightmare for opposing pitchers, who have to keep Crow-Armstrong humble if they want to avoid him swiping multiple bases.

The issue is playing time, as the Cubs outfield is fully healthy now that Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki are back from the injured list. Ian Happ and Mike Tauchman are also the hottest and most consistent hitters respectively right now, so it will be hard to fit Crow-Armstrong into the lineup consistently. It may be worth moving Cody Bellinger to first base for now and either relegating Michael Busch to the DH role or sending him to Triple-A for more playing time.

Whatever the decision may be, PCA is proving to be a rising star worthy of playing time. He is eligible to be called back up to the majors and Hawkins for one seems to be willing to figure out how to make Crow-Armstrong fit into the current Cubs roster.

Editor's Note

The Cubs have recalled Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa and optioned infielder Luis Vázquez.