In the world of sports trades, there are some decisions that haunt teams long after the deal is done. One such trade involves Javier Baez and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Reflecting on this trade was likely top of mind for the Mets on Wednesday.
Years have passed since the Mets swapped Crow-Armstrong to the Cubs in exchange for a brief tenure with Baez, and now Crow-Strong is making his mark in Cubs history.
He has become the first Cubs player to achieve back-to-back seasons with 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases, a feat celebrated during the Cubs’ 7-6 victory over the Dodgers, securing a series sweep.
In that game, Crow-Armstrong went an impressive 3-for-5, launching two home runs and collecting four RBIs.
Down 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning, Crow-Armstrong smoked the first pitch he saw from Dodgers starting pitcher Eric Lauer for a home run to tie the score.
After driving in Dansby Swanson with a double the next inning, Crow-Armstrong hit a two-run homer in the fourth to put the Cubs up 5-1.
Wednesday’s masterpiece was nothing new from the 24-year-old, as he’s hitting .288 with 26 homers and 69 RBIs on the season.
He’s also stolen 28 bases and drawn 60 walks.
Last season, Crow-Armstrong helped the Cubs to their first playoff appearance since 2020 with 31 home runs and 95 RBIs, though he hit just .247.
Crow-Armstrong’s three-hit day Wednesday was an example of how much he’s improved against lefty pitchers, too.
In 2025, Crow-Armstrong had just a .594 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
This year, that number has ballooned up to .937, and he made quick work of a lefty in Lauer on Wednesday.
Crow-Armstrong blossoming into an MVP candidate has been a key reason for the Cubs’ recent success, as the team is 66-49 after starting just 34-34.
The Cubs hold the first NL wild-card spot and are five games back of the Brewers for the NL Central lead.