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Crow-Armstrong's Two Halves: MVP Race to Slump
15 Feb
Summary
- Crow-Armstrong's season split into strong first half and weak second half.
- He was an MVP candidate before August, then struggled significantly.
- Focus is now on improving swing decisions and mechanical consistency.
Pete Crow-Armstrong's 2025 season presented a stark contrast between its two halves. He began the year as a strong MVP candidate, impressively posting a 137 wRC+ with 27 home runs and 29 stolen bases by August. A 40-40 season seemed within reach.
However, his performance sharply declined in the final two months, with a 45 wRC+ and a .188 batting average. This slump, which saw him struggle to get on base, was partially obscured by his elite defensive play in center field.
The primary focus for Crow-Armstrong and the coaching staff, including assistant hitting coach John Mallee, is to restore mechanical consistency. They aim to correct a setup issue that led to a drifting swing and mechanical breakdowns.
Beyond mechanics, the organization, including team president Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell, emphasizes improving Crow-Armstrong's swing decisions. He acknowledges his tendency to chase pitches outside the zone, which he plans to reduce by focusing on specific pitch locations.
To address these areas, Crow-Armstrong is working with Mallee on specific drills designed to improve his decision-making at the plate. He also aims to mature as a hitter by understanding pitcher tendencies and focusing on hitting pitches in his preferred zone.
