How Cody Bellinger’s Presence is Accelerating Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Development with the Cubs

In the past 24 hours, we have seen plenty of different updates with Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger. While reports are going in two different directions regarding whether he will opt into his deal or not for the 2025 season, this recent report shows the positive upside that Bellinger is bringing to the 2024 Chicago Cubs. 

In a new article from Just Baseball, Kevin Henry highlighted the significance that Bellinger has had off the field, leading to success from different members of the Chicago Cubs. Henry highlighted the development of the Cubs’ young star outfielder, Pete Crow-Armstong. 

Throughout the season, we have heard plenty about PCA’s development and how he has truly been able to turn a corner since the All-Star break. We have also heard Bellinger and PCA’s positive relationship on and off the field. This quote from Cubs manager Craig Counsell, highlights how big of an influence Bellinger has had on PCA. 

“Cody has this kind of real, very easy going nature, but he’s also super locked into game situations, especially at-bat awareness. I think that’s been one of the things that has been really helpful for Pete in terms of talking about at-bats and what to look for, a strategic kind of planning in at-bats, so to speak.”

- Craig Counsell

Pete Crow-Armstrong has had the second half for the stars with the Cubbies. Heading into the All-Star break, it was very obvious he was struggling to make the adjustments from the minors to the majors. We know the glove and speed were always going to be there, but the bat has come to life. After yesterday’s game, Crow-Armstrong became the first Cubs rookie to have 10+ home runs and 25+ stolen bases in a season. Every day he takes the field, it feels like he’s only improving. 

Throughout the article, Henry continues to highlight Bellinger’s leadership and how the Cubs are happy that they made the investment in Bellinger. Though Bellinger has dealt with injuries throughout the campaign, he has put together a solid season in minimal time. Hes currently hitting .269 on the season with 18 home runs and 69 RBIs. 

The Cubs are all, but out of the postseason race, but with it being likely that he will return in 2025, Bellinger will continue to make a difference for a team that is looking to build on the success that they had in the second half of this year. Hoping the Cubs go out and spend this upcoming off-season and get more help offensively; Bellinger and Pete Crow-Armstrong build to a lineup that had plenty of success in the second half of the season. 

It feels like everyone on the team would love for Bellinger to return in 2025. Not only does it continue to give you a bat that has been so trustworthy throughout his time in Chicago, but it also builds a formidable outfield duo with him and Pete Crow-Armstrong.