Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong Among Top 10 Outfield Prospects Entering 2023

Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) is among the best outfield prospefts in baseball. Although the likes of Corbin Carroll, Jordan Walker, and newly-drafted Druw Jones rank ahead of PCA, this list is full of elite level talent in the outfield. 

At the end of the 2022 season, PCA ascended to the top spot in the Cubs' farm system after a successful season split between Low-A Myrtle Beach and High-A South Bend. In 38 games at Low-A, Crow-Armstrong slashed .354/.443/.557 with seven home runs, 27 RBI, five doubles, three triples, and 13 stolen bases. Once he was promoted to High-A, PCA slashed .287/.333/.498 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, 15 doubles, seven triples, and 19 stolen bases. Although there were some early struggles upon promotion, the Cubs' top prospect finished the season strong in South Bend. 

Per MLB Pipeline, one thing can be certain about PCA, as we saw last season as well. His defense is elite. PCA is considered the top prospect defensively on the list with an 80-grade, the highest possible grade for prospects, fielding trait. Here's the full quote:

"Scouts give top-of-the-scale grades to Crow-Armstrong for his center-field skills. He covers a tremendous amount of ground with his combination of plus speed and precise reads and routes, and his solid arm strength also rates better than most players at his position."

Without a doubt, PCA is a tremendous defender. Fans saw a number of web-gem level plays from the outfielder last season. Between that, his electricity on the base paths, and his speed, PCA was must-watch baseball at Four Winds Field. 

The full Top 100 list will be released at 6:00 p.m. CST on MLB Network Thursday night. The full list will likely include PCA, Jordan Wicks, and Matt Mervis, but don't be surprised if other Cubs prospects make their way onto the list as well.