Iowa gets first taste of Crow-Armstrong's power

Pete Crow-Armstrong played the first Triple-A game of his career on Tuesday, and the transition to the next level didn’t happen right away.

The top-ranked Cubs prospect did draw a walk and steal a base, but he struck out in all three of his at-bats. Going 0-for-3 again in his next outing with Iowa on Thursday, the 21-year-old was still searching for his way at the Triple-A level. Friday was the day, however, where he would find his swing.

Crow-Armstrong started the game 0-for-2, but he connected on a four-seam fastball from right-hander Will Vest (who boasts 118 big league appearances) for a solo home run to left-center field in the bottom of the fifth inning. The line-drive dinger for MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 overall prospect registered a 102.5 mph exit velocity. His first Triple-A homer gave the I-Cubs a 3-1 lead they would hold onto the rest of the way.

Crow-Armstrong is the only ranked prospect in the Minors to boast a full 80-grade fielding tool (on the 20-80 scale). His offense, however, has become a staple of his game as well since he was drafted 19th overall in 2020. In particular, Crow-Armstrong flashed his offensive prowess with Double-A Tennessee earlier this season, recording an .898 OPS in 73 games with the Smokies.

Despite it being his first time playing at the Double-A level -- and with the competition an average of more than two-and-a-half years older -- he scored 68 runs while driving in 60 over his 73 games. If he hits that way for Iowa, his chances of being a September callup on the North Side become quite realistic.

With the Cubs just 2.5 games out of the NL Central division lead, and just two games back of the third and final wild card spot, being in the thick of the race may elevate Crow-Armstrong's value as the club makes a push for its first postseason berth since 2020.

Crow-Armstrong already started his Triple-A highlight reel with an unbelievable leaping catch at the wall on Thursday night.

Yet to find an offensive spark, however, the left-handed bat was seemingly on a mission when he showed up to Principal Park on Friday. Breaking through offensively was the next step for Crow-Armstrong to find his way at this next stage, and if he provides these fireworks more consistently, he may be wearing another new Cubs uniform earlier than expected.