Pete Crow-Armstrong

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #1 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 55/Medium
  
  Track Record: Crow-Armstrong grew up in the spotlight as the son of actors Matthew Armstrong and Ashley Crow, the latter of whom played the mother of the lead character in the 1994 baseball move “Little Big League.” Instead of following his parents into acting, Crow-Armstrong emerged early as a baseball prodigy and defensive savant in center field. He starred for USA Baseball’s 12U, 15U and 18U national teams and set school records for hits and runs scored at Harvard-Westlake High, the alma mater of all-star pitchers Max Fried, Lucas Giolito and Jack Flaherty. The Mets drafted Crow-Armstrong 19th overall in 2020. He tore his right labrum a week into his pro career and missed the 2021 season, but that summer the Mets traded him to the Cubs for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. Crow-Armstrong quickly made the Mets regret the move. He flew up to Double-A in his first season back from injury and followed with an even better year in 2023. He set career highs in doubles (26), home runs (20) and RBIs (82) across Double-A and Triple-A and received his first major league callup in September.
  
  Scouting Report: Crow-Armstrong is a future top-of-the-order hitter. He has a fast, balanced lefthanded swing geared for contact and the ability to manipulate the barrel to all parts of the strike zone. He tracks pitches and works counts, though he doesn’t walk much, and makes solid contact from line to line. Crow-Armstrong is primarily a contact hitter, but he has grown into average raw power as he’s gotten stronger, especially to his pull side. His swing gets too big at times, but he has the self-awareness to adjust his approach and emphasize contact in the right situations. Crow-Armstrong enhances his offensive game with his plus speed. He runs hard out of the box to rack up doubles and triples and puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. He’s an aggressive runner and basestealer and stole more than 30 bases in each of the past two seasons. Crow-Armstrong shines brightest defensively in center field. He’s a confident, graceful defender who gets elite jumps and runs pristine routes to catch anything hit in his area. He has exceptional range and closing speed in all directions, especially into the gaps, and is fearless going back to the wall. He makes highlight-reel catches routinely and has an above-average, accurate arm that keeps runners from testing him. He is an intense competitor who always plays hard and is willing to do whatever his team needs.
  
  The Future: Crow-Armstrong primarily served as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement in his MLB debut. With Cody Bellinger departing in free agency, he is set to take over as the Cubs’ everyday center fielder in 2024. He projects to be a perennial Gold Glove winner who racks up hits and steals from leadoff or No. 2 spot on contending teams. N
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Field: 80 | Arm: 55
• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #1 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: Crow-Armstrong grew up in the shadow of Hollywood as the son of actors Ashley Crow and Matthew Armstrong. Rather than follow his parents into acting, Crow-Armstrong found fame on the baseball diamond. He emerged as a budding star at a young age and was selected for USA Baseball's 12U, 15U and 18U national teams. He starred at Harvard-Westlake High, the same school that produced all-star pitchers Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty, and graduated as the program's all-time leader in hits and runs despite his senior season being cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. The Mets drafted him 19th overall and signed him for $3.359 million. Crow-Armstrong's pro debut in 2021 ended after just six games due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder, but the Cubs still acquired him at the trade deadline for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. Crow-Armstrong rewarded the Cubs' faith in 2022, finishing among the organization's leaders in batting average (.312), hits (132), runs (89) and stolen bases (32) across the Class A levels and earning a selection to the Futures Game.
  
  Scouting Report: Crow-Armstrong has long been known for his sensational defense in center field, but he's a threat at the plate, too. He has a discerning eye for the strike zone and makes frequent contact with a fast and fluid lefthanded swing. He stays balanced through his swing and has exceptional hand-eye coordination that allows him to hit pitches in any part of the zone. He occasionally gets jammed and is prone to weak contact, but he has the advanced instincts and self-awareness to adjust his setup and timing to close his holes. Crow-Armstrong is a contact hitter and primarily hits hard line drives all over the field, but he has begun showing average pull-side power and could add more as he physically matures. He is progressively getting stronger and posted the highest exit velocities of his career in 2022. Crow-Armstrong enhances his offense with his plus speed and a high-energy style of play. He is a threat to steal at any time and applies constant pressure to opposing defenses with his aggressive baserunning. He is occasionally overaggressive and runs into outs. Crow-Armstrong is an elite defender in center field whose graceful, fluid actions make the position look easy. His plus speed, elite anticipation and pristine routes give him exceptional range in all directions, particularly going into the gaps. He is fearless and aggressive going back to the wall and makes highlight-reel catches almost daily. His above-average, accurate throwing arm rounds out his premium defensive ability.
  
  The Future: Crow-Armstrong projects to hit at the top of the Cubs' lineup and contend perennially for Gold Glove awards in center field. He will open 2023 at Double-A Tennessee and has a chance to reach Wrigley Field by the end of the season.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Speed: 60. Fielding: 80. Arm: 55
• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #4 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Crow-Armstrong starred at Harvard-Westlake High in Los Angeles, the same school that produced Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty, and was a two-time member of USA Baseball’s 18U National Team in a decorated amateur career. The Cubs nearly drafted him with their first-round pick in 2020, but ultimately opted for local shortstop Ed Howard. The Mets drafted him three picks later and signed him for $3.359 million to forgo a Vanderbilt commitment. Crow-Armstrong’s pro debut in 2021 was cut short after six games by a torn labrum in his right shoulder that required season-ending surgery. Despite the injury, the Cubs still acquired him at the trade deadline for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams.
  
  Scouting Report: Crow-Armstrong is slightly built but has innate instincts that help him play bigger than his size. He has a sweet lefthanded swing geared for contact, has few holes in his swing path and controls the strike zone with a disciplined approach. He doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard yet, but he projects to be at least an average hitter and should grow into 10-15 home run power as he adds strength to his lithe frame. Crow-Armstrong shines most brightly on defense. He’s a confident, fluid defender in center field with plus speed, elite anticipation and graceful actions. His above-average arm keeps runners from taking extra bases and rounds out his plus-plus defensive ability.
  
  The Future: Crow-Armstrong has the skills to be a Gold Glove-winning center fielder who hits at the top or bottom of a lineup. He should have no trouble dealing with the spotlight—his parents, Ashley Crow and Matthew Armstrong, are both accomplished actors in L.A.
  
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #4 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 50.Power: 40. Run: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 55.
  TRACK RECORD: Crow-Armstrong knows the spotlight. Both of his parents are actors. He starred for USA Baseball’s national teams from the age of 12. He played for Harvard-Westlake, the Los Angeles-area high school that produced first-round pitchers Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty. The Mets drafted Crow-Armstrong 19th overall in 2020 and signed him for the slot value of $3.359 million.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: As a rising senior, Crow-Armstrong ranked as the best high school prospect in his class. He stumbled on the 2019 showcase circuit but regained his form the following spring before the amateur season was scuttled. Crow-Armstrong was the best defensive outfielder in the 2020 prep class and one of its best hitters and fastest runners. His grace and anticipation in center field give him Gold Glove upside, while his above-average arm is a separator at the position. Crow-Armstrong profiles as a top-of- the-order hitter who offers advanced bat-to-ball skills, a direct swing path and the above-average speed to leg out hits. He could mature into power but is expected to be a hit-over-power offensive player.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Mets laud Crow-Armstrong’s competitive makeup, which helps make him the leading candidate to be the Mets’ center fielder of the future.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #17 prospect in 2020 draft
  Crow-Armstrong has fame and baseball in his blood. His mother, Ashley Crow, is an actress who played the mom of the lead character in the 1994 baseball movie "Little Big League." His father, Matthew Armstrong, is an accomplished television actor as well. Crow-Armstrong starred for USA Baseball’s 18U national team two years in a row and entered last summer as arguably the top high school player in the 2020 draft class. A disappointing summer dropped his stock, but he rebounded with a sensational spring before the season shut down. Crow-Armstrong has a sweet lefthanded swing geared for contact. He hits both lefties and righties, stays balanced in the box and lines the ball to all fields. Evaluators see at least an average hitter and possibly plus, with the potential to hit at the top of a lineup. Scouts differ on Crow-Armstrong’s power projections. Some see below-average power, while others believe he is a good enough hitter that he’ll run into more home runs than his raw power would indicate. Crow-Armstrong should stick in center field as a plus defender with a plus arm and above-average-to-plus speed. He plays fast and hard and has an advanced feel and intellect for the game. Crow-Armstrong’s tools and instincts have teams interested in the first round even with questions about his power. He is committed to Vanderbilt.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #12 prospect in 2023
• Ranked Baseball America's #24 prospect in 2023

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: Crow-Armstrong grew up in the shadow of Hollywood as the son of actors Ashley Crow and Matthew Armstrong. Rather than follow his parents into acting, Crow-Armstrong found fame on the baseball diamond. He emerged as a budding star at a young age and was selected for USA Baseball's 12U, 15U and 18U national teams. He starred at Harvard-Westlake High, the same school that produced all-star pitchers Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty, and graduated as the program's all-time leader in hits and runs despite his senior season being cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. The Mets drafted him 19th overall and signed him for $3.359 million. Crow-Armstrong's pro debut in 2021 ended after just six games due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder, but the Cubs still acquired him at the trade deadline for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. Crow-Armstrong rewarded the Cubs' faith in 2022, finishing among the organization's leaders in batting average (.312), hits (132), runs (89) and stolen bases (32) across the Class A levels and earning a selection to the Futures Game.
  
  Scouting Report: Crow-Armstrong has long been known for his sensational defense in center field, but he's a threat at the plate, too. He has a discerning eye for the strike zone and makes frequent contact with a fast and fluid lefthanded swing. He stays balanced through his swing and has exceptional hand-eye coordination that allows him to hit pitches in any part of the zone. He occasionally gets jammed and is prone to weak contact, but he has the advanced instincts and self-awareness to adjust his setup and timing to close his holes. Crow-Armstrong is a contact hitter and primarily hits hard line drives all over the field, but he has begun showing average pull-side power and could add more as he physically matures. He is progressively getting stronger and posted the highest exit velocities of his career in 2022. Crow-Armstrong enhances his offense with his plus speed and a high-energy style of play. He is a threat to steal at any time and applies constant pressure to opposing defenses with his aggressive baserunning. He is occasionally overaggressive and runs into outs. Crow-Armstrong is an elite defender in center field whose graceful, fluid actions make the position look easy. His plus speed, elite anticipation and pristine routes give him exceptional range in all directions, particularly going into the gaps. He is fearless and aggressive going back to the wall and makes highlight-reel catches almost daily. His above-average, accurate throwing arm rounds out his premium defensive ability.
  
  The Future: Crow-Armstrong projects to hit at the top of the Cubs' lineup and contend perennially for Gold Glove awards in center field. He will open 2023 at Double-A Tennessee and has a chance to reach Wrigley Field by the end of the season.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Speed: 60. Fielding: 80. Arm: 55
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 60/High
  
  Track Record: Crow-Armstrong grew up in the shadow of Hollywood as the son of actors Ashley Crow and Matthew Armstrong. Rather than follow his parents into acting, Crow-Armstrong found fame on the baseball diamond. He emerged as a budding star at a young age and was selected for USA Baseball's 12U, 15U and 18U national teams. He starred at Harvard-Westlake High, the same school that produced all-star pitchers Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty, and graduated as the program's all-time leader in hits and runs despite his senior season being cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. The Mets drafted him 19th overall and signed him for $3.359 million. Crow-Armstrong's pro debut in 2021 ended after just six games due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder, but the Cubs still acquired him at the trade deadline for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. Crow-Armstrong rewarded the Cubs' faith in 2022, finishing among the organization's leaders in batting average (.312), hits (132), runs (89) and stolen bases (32) across the Class A levels and earning a selection to the Futures Game.
  
  Scouting Report: Crow-Armstrong has long been known for his sensational defense in center field, but he's a threat at the plate, too. He has a discerning eye for the strike zone and makes frequent contact with a fast and fluid lefthanded swing. He stays balanced through his swing and has exceptional hand-eye coordination that allows him to hit pitches in any part of the zone. He occasionally gets jammed and is prone to weak contact, but he has the advanced instincts and self-awareness to adjust his setup and timing to close his holes. Crow-Armstrong is a contact hitter and primarily hits hard line drives all over the field, but he has begun showing average pull-side power and could add more as he physically matures. He is progressively getting stronger and posted the highest exit velocities of his career in 2022. Crow-Armstrong enhances his offense with his plus speed and a high-energy style of play. He is a threat to steal at any time and applies constant pressure to opposing defenses with his aggressive baserunning. He is occasionally overaggressive and runs into outs. Crow-Armstrong is an elite defender in center field whose graceful, fluid actions make the position look easy. His plus speed, elite anticipation and pristine routes give him exceptional range in all directions, particularly going into the gaps. He is fearless and aggressive going back to the wall and makes highlight-reel catches almost daily. His above-average, accurate throwing arm rounds out his premium defensive ability.
  
  The Future: Crow-Armstrong projects to hit at the top of the Cubs' lineup and contend perennially for Gold Glove awards in center field. He will open 2023 at Double-A Tennessee and has a chance to reach Wrigley Field by the end of the season.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 45. Speed: 60. Fielding: 80. Arm: 55
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 55/High
  
  Track Record: Crow-Armstrong starred at Harvard-Westlake High in Los Angeles, the same school that produced Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty, and was a two-time member of USA Baseball&#39s 18U national team in a decorated amateur career. The Cubs nearly drafted him with their first-round pick in 2020, but ultimately opted for local shortstop Ed Howard. The Mets drafted him three picks later and signed him for $3.359 million to forgo a Vanderbilt commitment. Crow-Armstrong&#39s pro debut in 2021 was cut short after six games by a torn labrum in his right shoulder that required season-ending surgery. Despite the injury, the Cubs still acquired him at the trade deadline for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams.
  
  Scouting Report: Crow-Armstrong is slightly built but has innate instincts that help him play bigger than his size. He has a sweet lefthanded swing geared for contact, has few holes in his swing and controls the strike zone with a disciplined approach. He projects to be at least an average hitter and should grow into 10-15 home run power as he adds strength to his frame. Crow-Armstrong shines brightest on defense. He&#39s a confident, fluid defender in center field with plus speed, elite anticipation and graceful actions. His above-average arm keeps runners from taking extra bases and rounds out his plus-plus defensive ability.
  
  The Future: Crow-Armstrong has the skills to be a Gold Glove-winning center fielder who hits at the top or bottom of a lineup. He should have no trouble dealing with the spotlight—his parents, Ashley Crow and Matthew Armstrong, are both accomplished actors in L.A.
  
  Scouting Grades:Hit: 50. Power: 40. Speed: 60. Fielding: 70. Arm: 55.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Crow-Armstrong starred at Harvard-Westlake High in Los Angeles, the same school that produced Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty, and was a two-time member of USA Baseball’s 18U National Team in a decorated amateur career. The Cubs nearly drafted him with their first-round pick in 2020, but ultimately opted for local shortstop Ed Howard. The Mets drafted him three picks later and signed him for $3.359 million to forgo a Vanderbilt commitment. Crow-Armstrong’s pro debut in 2021 was cut short after six games by a torn labrum in his right shoulder that required season-ending surgery. Despite the injury, the Cubs still acquired him at the trade deadline for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams.
  
  Scouting Report: Crow-Armstrong is slightly built but has innate instincts that help him play bigger than his size. He has a sweet lefthanded swing geared for contact, has few holes in his swing path and controls the strike zone with a disciplined approach. He doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard yet, but he projects to be at least an average hitter and should grow into 10-15 home run power as he adds strength to his lithe frame. Crow-Armstrong shines most brightly on defense. He’s a confident, fluid defender in center field with plus speed, elite anticipation and graceful actions. His above-average arm keeps runners from taking extra bases and rounds out his plus-plus defensive ability.
  
  The Future: Crow-Armstrong has the skills to be a Gold Glove-winning center fielder who hits at the top or bottom of a lineup. He should have no trouble dealing with the spotlight—his parents, Ashley Crow and Matthew Armstrong, are both accomplished actors in L.A.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50.Power: 40. Run: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 55.
  TRACK RECORD: Crow-Armstrong knows the spotlight. Both of his parents are actors. He starred for USA Baseball's national teams from the age of 12. He played for Harvard-Westlake, the Los Angeles-area high school that produced first-round pitchers Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty. The Mets drafted Crow-Armstrong 19th overall in 2020 and signed him for the slot value of $3.359 million. They then traded him a year later to the Cubs, acquiring Javier Baez at the trade deadline.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: As a rising senior, Crow-Armstrong ranked as the best high school prospect in his class. He stumbled on the 2019 showcase circuit but regained his form the following spring before the amateur season was scuttled. Crow-Armstrong was the best defensive outfielder in the 2020 prep class and one of its best hitters and fastest runners. His grace and anticipation in center field give him Gold Glove upside, while his above-average arm is a separator at the position. Crow-Armstrong profiles as a top-of- the-order hitter who offers advanced bat-to-ball skills, a direct swing path and the above-average speed to leg out hits. He could mature into power but is expected to be a hit-over-power offensive player.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Mets laud Crow-Armstrong's competitive makeup, which helps make him the leading candidate to be the Mets' center fielder of the future.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50.Power: 40. Run: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 55.
  TRACK RECORD: Crow-Armstrong knows the spotlight. Both of his parents are actors. He starred for USA Baseball’s national teams from the age of 12. He played for Harvard-Westlake, the Los Angeles-area high school that produced first-round pitchers Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty. The Mets drafted Crow-Armstrong 19th overall in 2020 and signed him for the slot value of $3.359 million.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: As a rising senior, Crow-Armstrong ranked as the best high school prospect in his class. He stumbled on the 2019 showcase circuit but regained his form the following spring before the amateur season was scuttled. Crow-Armstrong was the best defensive outfielder in the 2020 prep class and one of its best hitters and fastest runners. His grace and anticipation in center field give him Gold Glove upside, while his above-average arm is a separator at the position. Crow-Armstrong profiles as a top-of- the-order hitter who offers advanced bat-to-ball skills, a direct swing path and the above-average speed to leg out hits. He could mature into power but is expected to be a hit-over-power offensive player.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Mets laud Crow-Armstrong’s competitive makeup, which helps make him the leading candidate to be the Mets’ center fielder of the future.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 50.Power: 40. Run: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 55.
  TRACK RECORD: Crow-Armstrong knows the spotlight. Both of his parents are actors. He starred for USA Baseball’s national teams from the age of 12. He played for Harvard-Westlake, the Los Angeles-area high school that produced first-round pitchers Lucas Giolito, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty. The Mets drafted Crow-Armstrong 19th overall in 2020 and signed him for the slot value of $3.359 million.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: As a rising senior, Crow-Armstrong ranked as the best high school prospect in his class. He stumbled on the 2019 showcase circuit but regained his form the following spring before the amateur season was scuttled. Crow-Armstrong was the best defensive outfielder in the 2020 prep class and one of its best hitters and fastest runners. His grace and anticipation in center field give him Gold Glove upside, while his above-average arm is a separator at the position. Crow-Armstrong profiles as a top-of- the-order hitter who offers advanced bat-to-ball skills, a direct swing path and the above-average speed to leg out hits. He could mature into power but is expected to be a hit-over-power offensive player.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Mets laud Crow-Armstrong’s competitive makeup, which helps make him the leading candidate to be the Mets’ center fielder of the future.
• December, 2019 Scouting Report
  Crow-Armstrong has fame and baseball in his blood. His mother, Ashley Crow, is an actress who played the mom of the lead character in the 1994 baseball movie "Little Big League." His father, Matthew Armstrong, is an accomplished television actor as well. Crow-Armstrong starred for USA Baseball’s 18U national team two years in a row and entered last summer as arguably the top high school player in the 2020 draft class. A disappointing summer dropped his stock, but he rebounded with a sensational spring before the season shut down. Crow-Armstrong has a sweet lefthanded swing geared for contact. He hits both lefties and righties, stays balanced in the box and lines the ball to all fields. Evaluators see at least an average hitter and possibly plus, with the potential to hit at the top of a lineup. Scouts differ on Crow-Armstrong’s power projections. Some see below-average power, while others believe he is a good enough hitter that he’ll run into more home runs than his raw power would indicate. Crow-Armstrong should stick in center field as a plus defender with a plus arm and above-average-to-plus speed. He plays fast and hard and has an advanced feel and intellect for the game. Crow-Armstrong’s tools and instincts have teams interested in the first round even with questions about his power. He is committed to Vanderbilt.