Pete Crow-Armstrong is taking a page out of Anthony Rizzo’s book and it’s paying off Pete Crow-Armstrong’s meteoric rise to prominence in the National League has drawn comparisons to two iconic figures in Cubs history: Anthony Rizzo and Alex Bregman. While Rizzo is celebrated for his role in ending the team’s historic championship drought, Bregman’s influence on Crow-Armstrong’s plate discipline has also played a pivotal role in the young outfielder’s transformation into a potential MVP candidate. As the 2026 season progresses, Crow-Armstrong’s evolution from a raw talent to a seasoned performer has become a focal point for Cubs fans and analysts alike. The cornerstone of Crow-Armstrong’s success lies in his dramatic improvement in plate discipline. Last season, his walk rate of 4.5% ranked 284th among 299 qualified MLB hitters, a statistic that highlighted his struggles to recognize pitches and avoid strikeouts. This year, however, he has surged to a 11.5% walk rate, placing him 58th out of 271 qualified hitters. This leap, the largest by any player with a sub-5% walk rate since Hall of Famer Al Kaline achieved a similar jump in the 1950s, has been described as unprecedented in modern baseball. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the significance of this shift, noting that Crow-Armstrong’s ability to adjust his approach at the plate—particularly against left-handed pitching—has been a game-changer. “He moved up on the plate,” Counsell explained, drawing a parallel to Rizzo’s own tendencies. “That helped him better define the strike zone.” The manager emphasized that while the rapidity of Crow-Armstrong’s improvement defies easy explanation, it underscores the player’s innate athleticism and adaptability.#alex_bregman #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #anthony_rizzo #craig_counsell
Chicago Cubs’ Alex Bregman Delivers Tiebreaking Homer, Bullpen Secures 5-3 Win Over Reds The Chicago Cubs overcame a rocky offensive start and a late rally by the Cincinnati Reds to secure a 5-3 victory Saturday at Great American Ballpark. The game, which marked the middle of a crucial first-half series, featured a dramatic seventh-inning home run from star slugger Alex Bregman, who broke a 3-3 tie and propelled the Cubs to their second win in the three-game set. The victory also highlighted the resilience of the Cubs’ bullpen, which held the Reds in check during a tense ninth inning to preserve the win. Bregman’s game-winning home run, his eighth of the season, came off the pitch of Reds starter Julian Garcia. The two-run blast not only shifted momentum but also marked a turning point for the Cubs, who had struggled to score consistently in the series. Prior to Saturday’s game, the team had been held scoreless in the opener, a 4-0 loss, and had only managed three runs in the previous two games. Bregman’s swing, however, reignited their offensive potential, setting the stage for a decisive victory. The Cubs’ offense finally broke through in the fifth inning when Seiya Suzuki’s RBI single off Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo plated the first run of the game. The momentum continued in the sixth, as Carson Kelly’s home run tied the score at 2-2. However, the Reds quickly responded with a run in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a solo home run by JJ Bleday, who homered on the first pitch from Drew Pomeranz. The tie forced the Cubs’ bullpen to step in, and the relief corps delivered in critical moments. Caleb Thielbar and Jacob Webb combined for a scoreless sixth and seventh innings, setting the stage for a dramatic ninth.#chicago_cubs #cincinnati_reds #alex_bregman #great_american_ballpark #julian_garcia
Red Sox's Biggest Mistake This Season Wasn't Alex Bregman Before the 2026 Major League Baseball season began, the Red Sox faced significant scrutiny for losing star infielder Alex Bregman. His departure dominated headlines, radio shows, and television talk shows, both in Boston and across the baseball world. While the team publicly emphasized Bregman as a priority, they failed to secure a long-term deal, leading to his free-agent move to the Chicago Cubs. Bregman’s performance with the Cubs has been solid but unremarkable, with a .246/.335/.359 slash line, four home runs, 14 RBIs, 22 walks, and five doubles in 42 games. Though he remains a better offensive option than the alternatives at the hot corner, his impact has not matched his previous contributions in Boston. The Red Sox’s biggest misstep, however, lies in the trade that sent Caleb Durbin and Kyle Harrison to the Milwaukee Brewers. Durbin, acquired as part of the deal, has shown defensive promise with Gold Glove-level play but has struggled offensively, posting a .165/.245/.241 line in 40 games. His offensive output has been minimal, leaving the Red Sox with a player who offers little value to their lineup. The trade’s true flaw centers on Harrison’s performance. Acquired from the San Francisco Giants in a 2025 trade that also sent Rafael Devers to the Red Sox, Harrison has underperformed in Milwaukee, posting a 2.41 ERA in seven starts across 33 2/3 innings. The Red Sox’s decision to trade Harrison without giving him an extended opportunity to develop has drawn criticism. Instead of allowing Harrison to prove himself, the team prioritized acquiring pitching depth, such as Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This approach has left the organization with a roster lacking depth at key positions, particularly in the middle infield.#chicago_cubs #red_sox #alex_bregman #kyle_harrison #caleb_durbin
Yankees Optimistic About Spring Training, Gerrit Cole's Tommy John Recovery New York Yankees star Gerrit Cole has expressed optimism about his recovery from Tommy John surgery, as he continues to make progress during spring training. The right-handed pitcher, who has been sidelined since undergoing the procedure last year, took another significant step in his rehabilitation with a dominant performance against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. Cole’s outing marked his second appearance of the spring and signaled that he is on track to return to the Yankees’ rotation within two months. Cole, who has been working closely with the team’s medical staff, showcased his pre-injury form during the game. He threw a six-batter inning, striking out three of the first four batters he faced without issuing a walk. His fastball reached speeds of 96 to 98 mph, with 11 pitches exceeding 96 mph. Despite allowing a 416-foot home run to All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, Cole remained confident in his performance. “That was a good pitch,” he said, “but a better swing. So it’s the way it goes with good players sometimes.” The Yankees’ spring training camp has been a source of excitement for the team, with Cole’s recovery progress and the overall depth of the roster contributing to a positive atmosphere. Manager Aaron Boone highlighted the team’s strong start, noting that the competition for roster spots has been fierce. “I feel like we’re going to have competition brewing for opportunities throughout the year because of our depth,” Boone said. “And hopefully that remains with good health and good performance.” Cole’s journey back to full strength has been marked by patience and dedication. After a prolonged layoff since the 2024 World Series, he has embraced the opportunity to reconnect with the game’s intensity.#yankees #alex_bregman #san_francisco_giants #aaron_boone #gerrit_cole
Yankees' Gerrit Cole Struggles in Final Spring Training Test, 'Had Fun' Veteran right-hander Gerrit Cole, who missed the entire 2024 season for the New York Yankees after undergoing Tommy John surgery, expressed optimism following his second and final spring training appearance before returning to Florida for further preparation. Cole, 35, pitched 1⅔ innings in the Yankees’ spring finale against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Arizona, throwing 26 pitches while striking out three batters and allowing just one run—a home run by Alex Bregman. Cole, whose last official game came in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, will head to Tampa, Florida, for additional work and is projected to make his season debut in late May or early June. The Yankees’ season opener is set against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. During his outing, Cole’s fastball averaged 96.3 mph, with a peak of 98 mph. He utilized his full repertoire of pitches, including his knuckle curve, slider, sinker, changeup, and cutter. Of his 26 pitches, 17 were thrown for strikes. Cole described the experience as enjoyable, reflecting on the “level of talent, intensity, and demand” of the game. “It demands your focus and preparation, and I enjoy that,” he said. Signed to a $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028, Cole has a career record of 153-80 with a 3.18 ERA over 317 starts across stints with Pittsburgh (2013–2017), Houston (2018–2019), and the Yankees (since 2020). The Yankees also announced roster decisions, including sending Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to start the season. Manager Aaron Boone explained the move, stating Gil would likely join the minors to maintain a starting pitcher’s routine rather than stay with the team and serve as a reliever. “He was a little upset, but I feel like he’s in a good frame of mind,” Boone said.#chicago_cubs #yankees #alex_bregman #aaron_boone #gerrit_cole
Roman Anthony Reconnects with Alex Bregman at World Baseball Classic MIAMI — Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony has found renewed joy in his participation in the World Baseball Classic, particularly through his reunion with former teammate Alex Bregman. The two players, who had previously shared a strong bond during their time together in Boston, have once again formed a key partnership as members of Team USA’s roster. Their collaboration has provided Anthony with a familiar presence and mentorship, helping him navigate the high-stakes environment of the tournament. Bregman, who served as a mentor to Anthony during his rookie season last year, played a pivotal role in the young player’s adjustment to the major leagues. His experience and baseball IQ helped Anthony not only adapt to the challenges of the big leagues but also elevate his performance. However, their time as teammates in Boston came to an end this offseason when Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Despite the separation, their connection has remained strong, and their paths have crossed again in the World Baseball Classic. Anthony has spoken highly of Bregman’s influence, emphasizing the value of his guidance and the positive impact he has had on the team. During a pregame media session ahead of the WBC final, Anthony described Bregman’s presence as transformative, both on and off the field. “Being with him last year and learning from him and the way that he has been as good as he is and the way that he game-plans and everything, and knowing that he just transforms a clubhouse, I’ve already told him a little bit and joking with him, I’m sad to leave him,” Anthony said. The emotional weight of their reunion has become more apparent as the tournament progressed.#world_baseball_classic #chicago_cubs #team_usa #roman_anthony #alex_bregman
