The Chicago Cubs are currently 41-27, holding a four-and-a-half game lead in the National League Central.
Perhaps the biggest reason for that is the emergence of centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
The 23-year-old is in the conversation for NL Most Valuable Player 11 days into June and could have a real chance at being a finalist for the award.
Bleacher Report constructed a list of every team’s franchise cornerstone players and ranked them.
Crow-Armstrong was No. 16 on the list.
Honestly, this is a great spot for him when you see the names he is in front of and behind.
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“Hard to slot 10 great weeks ahead of what any of the top half of this list has well established,” Kerry Miller wrote. “If PCA continues on his trajectory to 42 home runs and 52 stolen bases, though, we can all look back on this ranking in a few months and have a good laugh.”
Crow-Armstrong is having an incredible season in all facets of the game. He is well on his way to his first Gold Glove award and may even win the NL Platinum Glove.
He has been known as a great runner and defender in his short career, but he has shown that he can swing it as well.
Crow-Armstrong has 17 home runs and 55 RBI while slashing .271/.305/.545 in 67 games. He also leads the NL in wins above replacement (3.8).
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