In the defensive lineup of the Chicago Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong, known as PCA, has quickly risen to become one of the hottest center fielders in Major League Baseball, showcasing extraordinary defensive skills. With impressive speed and arm strength, coupled with standout performance in Outs Above Average (OAA), he navigates the field with ease. PCA’s defensive abilities are on par with former Gold Glove winners Kiermaier and Bader, but his explosive potential and future promise has everyone buzzing; he is poised to be the next Gold Glove recipient, further solidifying the Cubs’ defensive lineup and establishing himself as a key center fielder for the next decade.
In modern baseball, the importance of defense is increasingly recognized. With the advent of the Statcast system and various advanced metrics, defensive performance is no longer merely assessed by the naked eye. Supported by data, the core value of defensive players has become clearer than ever. In the past, discussions about the MVP often focused on hitting performance; today, players who can dominate an entire defensive area have the potential to change the fate of a team.
Since his minor league days, PCA has been regarded as an exceptional defensive outfielder, earning high praise in scout reports that highlight his strengths in Outstanding Area Control, The first step of a quick response, and The speed that covers the entire stadium.. During his high school years, he established himself as a key player in center field on the U18 national team, showcasing multiple jaw-dropping defensive plays.
Since rising to the major leagues, PCA has led all outfielders in the league with an impressive OAA of 14, alongside the Red Sox’s Ceddanne Rafaela. This performance has drawn significant attention in the Gold Glove discussions, and he has become a standout in Statcast’s defensive metrics. Looking ahead to 2024, PCA is poised to quickly take over the starting center field position from Bellinger, showcasing his incredible defensive impact. According to Statcast data, his average sprint speed has reached 30.0 ft/s, ranking him among the league’s elite, while his Arm Value demonstrates impressive passing data and accuracy, steadily approaching top-tier levels.
It’s also worth mentioning that PCA’s passing accuracy is highly praised. He has recorded four assists in the first half of the Major League season and has successfully stopped third-base runners from scoring home plate. His impressive dives to catch the ball and precise throws to tag out at home in challenging situations have undoubtedly brought plenty of surprises to the audience.
At the start of the 2025 season, the pitchers of the Cubs greatly benefited from the outstanding collaboration in center field by PCA. Compared to 2023, the Cubs’ outfield defensive efficiency improved by over 8%, and the BABIP in center field decreased significantly, leading to a noticeable rise in flyout rates. PCA has become a solid defensive pillar for the Cubs. The coaching staff noted that PCA has turned many hits that should have landed into outs, which undoubtedly boosts the morale of the pitchers.
In the 2023 season, the Chicago Cubs showcased Cody Bellinger as their primary outfielder. While Bellinger excelled offensively, it was PCA who stood out defensively, significantly elevating the Cubs’ center field defense from mid-league to leading the entire Major League Baseball. With his sharp judgment, explosive speed, and fearless competitive spirit, PCA successfully stepped in for Bellinger and responded to the team’s expectations with outstanding performances.
When it comes to modern examples of outfield defense, Kevin Kiermaier is absolutely someone you can’t overlook. This former Tampa Bay Rays defensive expert has secured the Gold Glove Award three times and has frequently topped the OAA and DRS rankings. His defensive style is renowned for its efficiency, allowing him to consistently anticipate and accurately handle the trajectory of the ball. In 2015, Kiermaier achieved a DRS of +38, setting a single-season record, and during his time patrolling center field, the Rays’ outfield defense statistics were among the best in the league.
