MLB · 3 months ago

Pete Crow Armstrong: Chicago Cubs’ Fantasy League Game-Changer

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

Pete Crow Armstrong: Chicago Cubs’ Fantasy League Game-Changer

Pete Crow-Armstrong Is the Spark Plug the Chicago Cubs Needed — And the NL Central May Be Theirs Because of It

Every year, there’s a player who transforms from post-hype sleeper to league-winner — and in 2025, that player might just be Crow-Armstrong. He’s become a nightly must-watch and an absolute fantasy dynamo: elite defense, real power, blazing speed, and a flair for the dramatic that’s injected life into a Chicago Cubs team now pacing the NL Central.

From fantasy breakout to betting target, PCA’s rise mirrors the Cubs’ potential ceiling — one that may stretch deep into October if they get aggressive at the trade deadline.

Cubs’ Centerpiece: PCA’s Breakout by the Numbers

Crow-Armstrong entered the season as a glove-first speedster with uncertain offensive upside. Now? He’s become an offensive engine:

.296 AVG / .372 OBP / .510 SLG
12 HR / 21 SB through early June
WRC+ of 138, leading all NL rookies

He’s been nearly impossible to get out — whether it’s in two-strike counts or on the basepaths. And for fantasy managers who snagged him after round 15? Congratulations, you struck gold.

Betting Note: PCA has hit his total bases prop (Over 1.5) in 9 of his last 13 games and ranks top-10 in MLB in runs scored since May 15.

Cubs Futures: Time to Buy In?

The Cubs were a preseason favorite to win the National League Central, and though they’ve had their dips, they’re now regaining traction with one of the league’s most balanced rosters.

Division Odds (FanDuel): Cubs +130 (slightly behind the Brewers)
Playoff Odds: -160
World Series Futures: +2800

Why They’re a Value Play:

Elite defense behind a groundball-heavy staff
Top 5 bullpen ERA
Emerging stars (PCA, Shota Imanaga, Michael Busch)

If Chicago adds a bat or SP at the deadline — and all signs point to them being buyers — this is a team that can hang with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers in October.

Weekend Matchups: Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds — Who’s Stopping PCA?

Chicago faces the Reds this weekend, and there’s clear value in backing the Cubs — especially with the Reds sputtering and pitching matchups leaning heavily toward Chicago.

Saturday: Drew Pomeranz (CHC) vs. Graham Ashcraft (CIN)

Pomeranz is the opener with Ben Brown expected to carry the bulk of the load.
Ashcraft remains wildly inconsistent and is susceptible to lefty bats — bad news against PCA and Kyle Tucker.

Betting Angle:

Cubs ML
Pete Crow-Armstrong Over 1.5 TBs
Chicago TT Over 4.5 Runs

Sunday: Nick Martinez vs Jameson Taillon

Martinez could be a sneaky play.
Abbott’s ERA has ballooned above 5.00 on the road.

Lean: Cubs sweep the series, or at minimum, win 2 of 3. Parlay them with another solid home team for extra value.

Other Weekend Matchups to Watch (and Bet)

Toronto Blue Jays vs. A’s

Every game in this series has gone Over, and with Gunner Hoglund and an opener starting Saturday, expect another slugfest.
Play: Over 10.5, with emphasis on total base props (Vladimir Guerrero, Bo Bichette, Daulton Varsho).

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Texas Rangers

Sonny Gray vs. Patrick Corbin Saturday
Jacob deGrom vs. Erick Fedde Sunday
deGrom’s health is trending upward — and while he’s not missing as many bats, his control and soft contact rates are elite.

Betting Tip:

Sunday: Rangers -1.5, DeGrom Over 5.5 Ks, STL Team Total Under

Final Word: Crow-Armstrong Is Carrying the Cubs — and Your Bet Slip

Crow-Armstrong’s electric start isn’t just helping the Cubs win — it’s making them a sneaky good team to bet on in moneylines, props, and futures. Whether you’re riding with the Over, grabbing a Crow-Armstrong hit prop, or taking Chicago’s division odds before the deadline, the time to act is now.

Saturday Locks: