Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong gives Craig Counsell his flowers amid MVP emergence

The Chicago Cubs are set to embark on a pivotal offseason. But the franchise will feel a bit more optimistic knowing Pete Crow-Armstrong is still leading their lineup.

The outfielder truly broke out in 2026, being named a finalist for the NL MVP award. Playing in all 162 games, Crow-Armstrong led major league baseball with a 9.8 Wins Above Replacement, 119 runs scored and 45 home runs. He led the National League with a .570 slugging and .943 OPS percentage, adding 107 RBIs and 41 stolen bases.

There had been clear signs Crow-Armstrong had the potential to ascend into one of MLB’s best. He was an All-Star in 2025 after hitting .247 with 31 home runs, 95 RBIs and 35 stolen bases. The outfielder managed to put the pieces together and found another level of consistency in 2026.

Helping guide that MVP arrival was Cubs manager Craig Counsell. Before he potential adds more hardware to his trophy case, Crow-Armstrong wanted to give his manager some respect.

Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong doesn’t take all the credit

Chicago Cubs, Cubs News, Craig Counsell — Sep 7, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell makes a pitching change in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Knowing Crow-Armstrong was on the roster was certainly intriguing for Counsell when he became manager in 2024. Watching his development up close, the outfielder has surpassed his manager’s expectations.

That growth may not have happened without Counsell by Crow-Armstrong’s side. The outfielder clearly had the talent. But his manager helped mold him into a much better player overall, via Patrick Mooney of the Athletic.

“He’s changed the way that I operate off the field a lot this year,” Crow-Armstrong said. “I don’t really want to get into too much detail about that, but he’s just encouraged me to find a lot of enjoyment outside of coming to the field every day, which is something that is hard for me.

“I don’t fault myself for it — I have a hard time turning off baseball brain,” he continued. “He’s just been hugely influential in terms of getting me to show up in the right headspace.”

As the Cubs try to go on a deeper run, Crow-Armstrong and Counsell will be central figures. Chicago needs both to reach new heights. At the very least, the outfielder and manager are clearly on the same page entering 2027.

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