Pete Crow-Armstrong is mashing baseballs, collecting chants, and—apparently—winning bets with his bullpen. In the Cubs’ 6-2 win over the Brewers on Saturday night, the 23-year-old outfielder crushed a three-run homer in the fourth inning, his ninth of the season and third in two games, continuing a torrid stretch that has launched him into early MVP conversation.

Before the at-bat, reliever Daniel Palencia asked Crow-Armstrong which plate appearance he'd go yard in. “I said the second at-bat,” Crow-Armstrong recalled with a smile. As he rounded first, he rubbed his fingers together in a “pay me” gesture toward the bullpen. “Danny was freaking out for good reason over there,” he added.

While fans speculated the celebration was a shot at a rumored low-ball contract extension from the Cubs earlier this season, PCA clarified it was nothing more than a light-hearted wager. “The bullpen has some fun, and they definitely call some good ones,” he said postgame. “Pitchers drop their hats for home run calls… and Danny was smart, he came over and asked me.”

Pete Crow-Armstrong continues to crush baseballs

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a 3-run home run as Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) looks on in the fourth inning at American Family Field.
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

His teammates are all-in on letting PCA be PCA. Whether it’s rocking blue stars in his bleached hair or expressing raw emotion on the field, the Cubs have embraced his flair. “I love it,” said manager Craig Counsell. “This is star-level production — no question about it.”

Article Continues Below
Related Chicago Cubs News
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field.
Cubs’ Craig Counsell reveals Shota Imanaga rehab stepJoey Mistretta ·
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a sacrifice ground out RBI during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field.
Cubs rumors: Ken Rosenthal sends stern contract warning to Pete Crow-ArmstrongChristopher Hennessy ·
Cubs news: Shota Imanaga injury update making fans impatient
Cubs’ Shota Imanaga injury update making fans impatientChris Spiering ·
Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (6) celebrates with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after hitting a walk-off single during the eleventh inning against the Colorado Rockies.
Cubs’ Matt Shaw delivers walk-off as team stays hot vs. RockiesJosh Davis ·
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after hitting a two-run single in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong draws $140 million contract predictionZachary Howell ·
Chicago Cubs catcher Reese McGuire (20) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Unexpected Cubs hero emerges vs. Reds right after call-upAlex House ·

And he’s backing it all up. Since April 13, Crow-Armstrong leads the majors in home runs and is slashing .343/.353/.866 with six doubles, a triple, 21 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. He’s also leading MLB in Outs Above Average (7), tied for the NL lead in fWAR (2.2), and delivering in every facet of the game.

“He likes playing in big moments, he likes performing on big stages,” starter Jameson Taillon said. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor.”

Saturday’s blast came off a full-count fastball from lefty José Quintana, who entered the night undefeated with a 1.14 ERA. Crow-Armstrong extended on the outer-half pitch and sent it 103.7 mph into right-center, where it landed in the Cubs’ bullpen—right where Palencia and the crew were waiting to celebrate.

Cubs fans filled “Wrigley North” (a.k.a. American Family Field) with chants of “P-C-A!” as he trotted the bases. “I’m so impressed with the turnouts that we get here,” Crow-Armstrong said. “It feels like a second home in a sense.”

With his elite defense, power surge, and infectious energy, Crow-Armstrong has not only cemented his place in the Cubs’ lineup—he’s made it clear he’s the heart of this team. And if the bullpen keeps betting on him? Well, they might be the smartest gamblers in baseball.