Pete Crow-Armstrong has a simple answer for anyone asking if he’ll swing in the Home Run Derby this summer: not happening. The Chicago Cubs outfielder told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers on Tuesday that he’ll pass on the event again if he gets the invitation, same as last year. But he’s not slamming the door shut forever.
“Similar to last year, Pete Crow-Armstrong says he’s not going to participate if asked. Said he will someday,” Rogers reported from Wrigley Field.
The timing of that decision is interesting, because Crow-Armstrong is on an absolute tear right now. He launched 10 home runs in June alone, which ranks third most in all of Major League Baseball for the month. That kind of pop puts a player on the derby radar automatically, but the 23-year-old is clearly thinking bigger picture.
Maybe he wants to save his swing mechanics for the actual games. Or maybe he just doesn’t feel ready for the spectacle yet. He didn’t elaborate much beyond saying he’ll get there at some point. That’s fair. The Home Run Derby has a way of messing with a hitter’s rhythm for weeks afterward, and a young player like Crow-Armstrong probably doesn’t want to risk that while the Cubs are finally finding their footing.
Chicago started the season rough. Really rough. But they’ve been climbing back toward .500 and beyond, and Crow-Armstrong’s recent power surge is a big reason why. He’s always been known for his defense and speed, but if this June is any indication, his bat is catching up fast.
So Cubs fans will have to wait. Maybe next year. Maybe the year after. For now, Crow-Armstrong is more focused on helping his team make a real push than on putting on a show for one night in July.
More updates on this as they come.
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