The prediction that has Pete Crow-Armstrong becoming a nightmare for opposing catchers

Chicago Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong comes into the new season after putting up impressive numbers in 2025. Despite battling some injuries, PCA played in 157 regular-season games, hitting .247/.287/.481 with 31 home runs, 95 runs batted in, and 35 stolen bases.

He will now be the leader in the outfield after Kyle Tucker signed his free agent deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He will be expected to take another step this season and be one of the club's leaders.

However, it will not just be on him. Alex Bregman will look to prove himself after signing his free agent deal with the Cubs. 

MORE: Cubs All-Star Pete Crow-Armstrong gets $125 million contract update ahead of possible extension talks

The prediction that has Pete Crow-Armstrong becoming a nightmare for opposing catchers 

During the 2023 season, MLB implemented some new rules to help speed up the game and help player's saftey. Two of these rules, a larger base, and limiting pitchers' pick-off moves, have directly correlated to more steals. 

Many of the game's fastest players have taken advantage of these new rules. But now it's time for PCA to take full advantage this season. 

ESPN ranks him as the 22nd-best player coming into the 2026 season, and Jesse Rogers projects him to swipe 50 bags this season, 15 more than he ever has in the big leagues. 

"Season prediction: The baseball world is wondering who the real PCA is. The easy answer is he's somewhere between who he was in the first half of last season and the second half. Vowing to get on more this season, he will steal 50 bases and hit 20 home runs."

50 stolen bases last season would have been enough to lead all MLB players in 2025. Jose Caballero led the league when he stole 49 bases last season. 

PCA has the speed to do this, and if he can, he will cause opposing catchers to panic, just by seeing him on base.

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