Chicago magazine’s latest issue placed rising Pete Crow-Armstrong front and center, spotlighting not just his electric on-field play but also the bold, unapologetic personality that has made the young Chicago Cubs star one of the most intriguing characters in Major League Baseball’s new generation.
In the feature story, Crow-Armstrong—known widely as PCA—leaned fully into his honest and often self-critical nature, admitting with refreshing candor that some fans might dislike him, joking that he probably comes off like a “*” at times.**
That level of self-awareness is rare in a 24-year-old player still navigating the early years of his MLB career, but it has only strengthened his connection with a Chicago fan base that values authenticity as much as it values hustle, defense and power.
Crow-Armstrong made it clear that he has grown deeply attached to Chicago, embracing both the city and the people with a sincerity that has quickly endeared him to a fan culture known for its intensity, loyalty and emotional investment in Cubs players.
“I love Chicago more and more,” PCA told the magazine, praising the city as incredible and its residents as uniquely passionate, noting that they truly care about the sport rather than simply showing up for the aesthetics of a ballgame.
He contrasted that energy with the atmosphere of his hometown Los Angeles, where Dodgers games often attract celebrities, influencers and casual visitors more interested in taking photos than paying attention to the finer points of baseball.
While stopping short of directly calling out specific types of Dodgers fans, Crow-Armstrong’s comments aligned with a long-standing league-wide perception that Los Angeles crowds, though enthusiastic, can appear more invested in entertainment value than in-game nuance.
The quote sparked immediate discussion online, fueling regional fan pride, debate between coasts and a burst of humor from Chicago supporters who embraced PCA’s willingness to voice what many Midwest fans often feel about different baseball cultures.
Yet for every sharp comment aimed outward, Crow-Armstrong balanced it with blunt honesty about himself, describing the second half of his 2025 season as “terrible,” a descriptor he delivered without hesitation despite strong overall production.
PCA’s numbers before and after the All-Star break reflected that harsh assessment, as he blasted 25 home runs in the first half of the year but saw that pace collapse to just six over the final two months of the season.
While his sophomore campaign still showed clear year-over-year improvement, the statistical drop served as a humbling checkpoint for a player widely believed to be one of the most talented young outfielders in the league.
Crow-Armstrong’s elite defensive instincts, explosive athleticism and evolving offensive toolkit have long been projected as franchise-cornerstone traits, but his uneven second half highlighted areas where refinement, endurance and consistency remain essential.
Within the Cubs organization, the belief is that PCA’s growth curve is still trending upward, and his ability to openly critique himself demonstrates maturity beyond his years, helping set the tone for a young roster eager to return to postseason contention.
Chicago’s front office, led by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, has invested heavily in developing homegrown stars, and Crow-Armstrong sits at the heart of that vision as the franchise transitions from rebuilding mode toward a competitive window.
If PCA can smooth out the highs and lows of his offensive game, the Cubs have a real opportunity to push deeper into October, a step they narrowly missed in recent seasons despite flashes of playoff-ready potential.
Specifically, the organization hopes that Crow-Armstrong’s plate discipline, contact quality and situational hitting improve enough to complement his Gold-Glove-caliber defense, creating a complete and durable everyday center fielder.
Should that development occur, Chicago may finally possess the dynamic top-of-the-order presence they have long sought—an engine capable of energizing an offense that at times relies too heavily on streaky run production.
With the Dodgers looming as a perennial postseason obstacle, many analysts have noted the poetic storyline that could emerge if a more polished PCA helps guide Chicago past Los Angeles in a future divisional round matchup.
The irony, of course, is that the very fan base he criticized could become the formidable playoff opponent standing in the way of the Cubs’ next great run—a narrative twist that baseball writers and national media would undoubtedly seize upon.
Crow-Armstrong’s openness may not sit well with every fan across the country, but inside Chicago, his candor, youth and fire have made him one of the most compelling clubhouse personalities since the rise of Kris Bryant, Javier Báez and the 2016 championship core.
His critics may argue that he talks too freely, but his supporters counter that he plays with an edge, carries himself with confidence and approaches the game with a seriousness that reflects both pride and accountability.
Chicago magazine’s portrait of PCA reinforced that he is not trying to fit into a sanitized mold of what a young MLB star “should” be, choosing instead to embrace his flaws, strengths and voice in equal measure.
As the Cubs prepare for another pivotal season with expectations steadily rising, the organization hopes that Crow-Armstrong’s blend of swagger, self-reflection and raw talent will translate into the breakout year many predicted when he was a top prospect.
If his offense stabilizes and his defense remains elite, PCA could soon be mentioned among the brightest young outfielders in baseball—a trajectory that aligns perfectly with the Cubs’ long-term competitive roadmap.
For now, the story of Pete Crow-Armstrong remains one centered around potential, honesty and identity—a young star learning how to navigate fame, pressure and self-expression while staying true to the version of himself that Chicago fans have already embraced.
And whether or not Dodgers fans appreciate his recent comments, the reality is that Crow-Armstrong has found a home in Chicago, a city that values authenticity as much as athletic brilliance, and a place where he can continue evolving into the player the Cubs believe he will become.
