Navigating the outfield at Wrigley Field is no walk in the park. With an immovable brick wall looming behind, outfielders have to be on high alert.
Add in the challenges of extreme temperatures, a tricky sun, and swirling winds, and it's clear why Wrigley is ranked as the second-hardest field for outfield defense over the past five years. The only tougher spot?
Oracle Park in San Francisco, where weather and wind are equally notorious.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) has quickly adapted to the unpredictable wind patterns at Wrigley, but he points out that it's not just the elements at play. The fans and the electric atmosphere can also make a difference in how plays unfold.
“You have a brick wall behind you,” Crow-Armstrong shared. “The dimensions aren’t huge.
A lot of center fielders, like myself, want to catch everything. It’s challenging to communicate in a loud place and being so close to other outfielders.”
The late-afternoon sun is particularly problematic, especially in right-center field. PCA, who snagged his first Gold Glove in 2025, knows this all too well. His defensive prowess has been a game-changer, and he’s been the most affected by the sun over the past three seasons.
The challenges at Wrigley highlight a clear priority for the Cubs' front office. Rumors have been swirling about a contract extension for Crow-Armstrong, who, despite wanting to stay in Chicago, isn’t rushing into a deal. With two-thirds of the starting outfield, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, heading to free agency soon, securing PCA long-term is crucial.
Even if the Cubs bring in solid defenders to replace Happ, a four-time Gold Glover, and Suzuki, who has had defensive struggles, there’s a learning curve. Understanding the unique aspects of Wrigley, like the corner cutouts and the basket running foul line to foul line, takes time. Having PCA as the anchor in the outfield would be invaluable for the Cubs, not just in 2027, but for many seasons to come.