Chicago’s Wrigley Field buzzed under gray skies on April 25, 2025, as the Cubs squared off against the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans in the bleachers, bundled against the spring chill, whispered about one name: Pete Crow-Armstrong. The rookie center fielder, known as PCA, has been turning heads with his glove and legs, sparking chatter about whether he’s ready to anchor the lineup as leadoff man. But manager Craig Counsell, ever the pragmatist, pumped the brakes on that idea before the Cubs’ 4-0 victory.
Crow-Armstrong, all of 23, has been a spark plug since his call-up. On Friday, he swiped second base against the Phillies, his speed a constant headache for catchers. His April stats—a flurry of stolen bases and highlight-reel catches—have fans dreaming of him setting the table for sluggers like Ian Happ and Cody Bellinger. Some argue he’s the natural choice to jolt the lineup, pushing Happ down to a meatier spot. But Counsell, speaking before the game, made it clear he’s not shuffling the deck just yet.
The Cubs’ offense has been clicking, stringing together hits and walks with a precision that’s kept them atop the NL Central. Happ, the current leadoff man, has been steady, drawing walks and scorching liners. Counsell, leaning back in the dugout, said the lineup’s humming like a well-tuned engine. Why tinker with what’s working? Crow-Armstrong, for now, stays lower in the order, lengthening the lineup and giving pitchers fits with his speed.
The rookie himself isn’t pushing for a promotion. Back in spring training, he tipped his cap to Happ’s role at the top, saying he’d love to lead off someday but knows his place. His focus Friday was on the little things—tracking flyballs in the wind, picking his spots to run. Against the Phillies, he did just that, helping the Cubs blank their opponents in a game delayed by rain but not by Chicago’s bats.
Counsell’s decision isn’t set in stone. Crow-Armstrong’s knack for getting on base and wreaking havoc could force a change if the offense stalls. For now, though, the Cubs are riding their current formula: Happ at the top, PCA stirring chaos below, and a pitching staff that’s slamming the door. The win on April 25 pushed Chicago’s record to 15-9, good for first in their division.
Crow-Armstrong went 1-for-3 at the plate, stole one base, and scored a run. The Cubs’ four runs came on seven hits, with no errors. Philadelphia managed five hits but stranded runners, falling to 12-12.