The St. Louis Cardinals have another reason to keep a close eye on the Chicago Cubs after Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a performance that further highlighted the growing strength of their division rival.
Crow-Armstrong produced one of the most memorable games of his young career on Monday night, hitting a leadoff home run and later launching a two-run walk-off homer to give the Cubs a dramatic 7-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox in 10 innings.
For the Cardinals, however, the significance goes beyond the Cubs’ latest win.
Chicago remains one of the biggest obstacles St. Louis must deal with in the National League Central, and Crow-Armstrong’s continued emergence gives the Cubs another dangerous offensive weapon heading into the most important part of the season.
The Cardinals have already seen what Crow-Armstrong can do firsthand.
During the Cubs’ recent series against St. Louis, he homered despite the Cardinals eventually securing an 11-4 victory. Just one day later, Crow-Armstrong showed again why he remains such a difficult player to contain.
His performance against the White Sox demonstrated that the Cardinals cannot afford to view him simply as an outstanding defensive center fielder. He has developed into a legitimate offensive threat who can change a game with one swing.
Monday’s performance was particularly impressive because Crow-Armstrong impacted virtually every aspect of the game.
He opened the scoring with a home run in the first inning before returning in the 10th to end the contest with another blast. He finished with four hits, a walk and a stolen base, coming just one triple short of completing the cycle.
The two home runs also helped Crow-Armstrong reach 30 homers and 31 stolen bases this season.
That milestone has enormous significance.
Crow-Armstrong became the first player in Cubs history to produce 30-home-run, 30-steal seasons in consecutive years. He also joined a select group of MLB players who have accomplished the feat in consecutive seasons.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, the development is concerning because Chicago now has a player capable of creating pressure in almost every phase of the game.
Crow-Armstrong’s power means pitchers cannot afford to challenge him carelessly. His speed creates another problem once he reaches base, while his defensive ability makes it extremely difficult for opponents to take extra bases or turn routine hits into big innings.
That combination could become particularly important as the NL Central race intensifies.
The Cardinals are attempting to remain competitive in a division where the Cubs have established themselves as a major force. Every additional player Chicago develops into a star makes the challenge more difficult for St. Louis.
Crow-Armstrong’s numbers explain why he is increasingly being mentioned in the National League MVP conversation.
Through 126 games, he is batting .281 with a .379 on-base percentage and a .550 slugging percentage. He has produced 25 doubles, 78 RBIs and a career-best 66 walks.
His value is not limited to his offensive production.
According to Statcast, Crow-Armstrong entered Monday leading MLB in fielding run value and outs above average. His defensive performance in center field has been one of the strongest parts of his game throughout the season.
His overall value has also been reflected in his WAR.
After his four-hit performance against the White Sox, Crow-Armstrong’s Fangraphs WAR climbed to 8.2, putting him at the top of the MLB leaderboard at that point.
That is the kind of production the Cardinals will have to account for whenever they face Chicago.
The Cubs are no longer simply relying on one or two established stars. Crow-Armstrong’s emergence gives them another player capable of taking over a game, and Monday’s performance demonstrated exactly how quickly he can turn a close contest into a Cubs celebration.
The timing could not be more important.
The Cardinals are entering the stretch run of the season, meaning games against divisional opponents carry even greater importance. Chicago’s ability to produce big performances from players such as Crow-Armstrong could ultimately have an impact on St. Louis’ postseason ambitions.
The Cardinals therefore have plenty of reasons to pay attention to what is happening with their division rival.
Crow-Armstrong’s performance against the White Sox also showed the kind of confidence that can make an already dangerous player even harder to stop.
He was not overwhelmed by the pressure of a nationally significant rivalry game. Instead, he embraced the moment and delivered when his team needed him most.
The Cubs needed a hero after the White Sox had taken the lead late in the game. Crow-Armstrong answered with a walk-off home run.
For Cardinals fans, that is the part that should stand out.
Chicago now has a player who appears increasingly comfortable delivering in high-pressure situations.
That could become a major storyline as the season progresses.
The Cardinals will also have to consider the broader implications of Crow-Armstrong’s development. A player who is already producing 30 homers and 30 steals while providing elite defense is not likely to become easier to deal with.
If anything, his continued development could make future matchups with the Cubs even more challenging.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell called Monday’s performance potentially the best game Crow-Armstrong has played in the major leagues.
His teammates were equally enthusiastic.
Cubs reliever Jacob Webb went as far as declaring Crow-Armstrong his MVP, arguing that the young star has earned the recognition.
Meanwhile, Cubs fans made their feelings clear after the game, replacing their earlier chants of Crow-Armstrong’s initials with loud “MVP” chants as they left Wrigley Field.
That growing support illustrates how quickly Crow-Armstrong’s reputation is changing.
He entered the season as one of the Cubs’ promising young players. He is now being discussed among the best players in the National League.
And that is precisely why the Cardinals should be concerned.
St. Louis does not have to face Crow-Armstrong every night, but when the Cardinals meet Chicago, his presence can dramatically change the game.
A single home run can put the Cubs ahead. A stolen base can create a scoring opportunity. His defense can take away hits. His ability to reach base can create pressure on an opposing pitching staff.
In other words, there are very few ways to neutralize him completely.
The Cardinals will need to find a way to limit his impact if they hope to compete successfully against Chicago during the stretch run.
Monday’s performance was not just another impressive night for Crow-Armstrong.
It was another reminder of the challenge facing St. Louis.
The Cubs have a rising star who is producing at an MVP level, and his combination of power, speed and defense makes Chicago an even more dangerous opponent.
For the Cardinals, the message is simple: the road through the NL Central is not getting any easier.
And if Crow-Armstrong continues playing at this level, St. Louis may have to deal with one of baseball’s most dangerous young stars every time the Cubs stand between them and their postseason goals.
