The anticipation for the World Baseball Classic is palpable, especially for Chicago Cubs fans. With 13 players from the Northsiders set to participate, there's plenty to watch.
Among the standouts are Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, and Matthew Boyd for Team USA, Seiya Suzuki for Samurai Japan, and Jameson Taillon for Team Canada. However, the spotlight is firmly on the Cubs’ dynamic young center fielder, Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA).
Last season, PCA emerged as a key figure for the Cubs, making history with a 30-30 season, a feat not seen since the days of Sammy Sosa. His first-half performance was electric, even drawing whispers of MVP contention alongside Shohei Ohtani.
Despite the arrival of Kyle Tucker, PCA's dazzling defense and spirited play earned him a Gold Glove, capturing the hearts of fans. His presence is exactly what the World Baseball Classic thrives on, adding flair to an already stacked USA roster.
Yet, Cubs fans are well aware of PCA's challenges. His second half saw a dip, with a 72 wRC+ and a playoff performance that left room for growth.
While his breakout year was exciting, it wasn't quite the leap into baseball's elite that some hoped for. PCA himself acknowledges the need for improvement, focusing on boosting his on-base percentage and managing the mental grind of the game.
His emotional playstyle, while entertaining, sometimes led to frustrations on the field.
Enter Alex Bregman, a potential mentor for PCA, known for his leadership and development skills with young talent. The World Baseball Classic offers PCA a golden opportunity to learn from Bregman and other baseball luminaries.
Sharing the outfield with MVP Aaron Judge, veteran Byron Buxton, and rising star Roman Anthony, PCA is in prime company. The roster also includes talents like Bobby Whit Jr., Bryce Harper, and former Cub Kyle Schwarber, providing a wealth of experience to draw from.
Under the guidance of manager Mark DeRosa, a beloved figure among Cubs fans, PCA has the chance to soak up invaluable insights. With a pitching staff led by Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, Team USA is poised for a deep run, giving PCA a front-row seat to excellence.
Cubs fans will be watching closely, hoping to see PCA channel his first-half form or at least show progress from last season’s end. Until he proves he can sustain superstar performance throughout a full season, questions about his offensive impact will linger. The World Baseball Classic could be the springboard for PCA to elevate his game, showcasing the strides he's made since last year.
If PCA can harness his potential, the tournament might just be the beginning of a stellar season, building on his 2025 breakout. It’s a chance for him to demonstrate growth and perhaps win over some international fans along the way.