Ivan Herrera's RBI Double Lifts Cardinals Over Cubs in 10-Inning Thriller The St. Louis Cardinals secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night, thanks to a game-winning two-run double by catcher and designated hitter Ivan Herrera in the bottom of the 10th inning. The decisive hit erased a two-run deficit created by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s home run earlier in the frame, marking a pivotal moment in a tightly contested divisional series. Herrera’s walk-off hit not only ended the Cardinals’ three-game losing streak but also prevented the team from dropping the first three games of the four-game series against the Cubs. The game, played at Busch Stadium, saw both teams struggle to score in the first nine innings, with the contest remaining scoreless until the top of the 10th. Chicago’s Pete Crow-Armstrong broke the deadlock with a two-run home run off Cardinals reliever Luis Gastelum, giving the Cubs a 2-0 lead. The rally seemed to set up a potential series sweep for the Cubs, but St. Louis responded with a furious comeback in the bottom of the 10th. Pinch-hitter Lars Nootbaar led off the inning with a single, and JJ Wetherholt followed with a walk to load the bases. Jordan Walker then drove in a run with an RBI forceout at third base, trimming the Cubs’ advantage to 2-1. Herrera, the 26-year-old catcher, delivered the final blow with a well-placed double into left-center field. The hit allowed Wetherholt and Walker to score, tying the game and ultimately securing the win for the Cardinals. The rally came immediately after Crow-Armstrong’s home run, which had appeared to give Chicago the momentum. Herrera’s clutch performance underscored his importance to the Cardinals’ lineup, particularly in high-pressure situations.#chicago_cubs #st_louis_cardinals #pete_crowarmstrong #busch_stadium #ivan_herrera
Cardinals Edge Cubs in 10th-Inning Thriller The St. Louis Cardinals secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs in a tense 10th-inning showdown on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The game, played at Busch Stadium, saw the Cardinals overcome a late deficit to end a three-game losing streak and snap a nine-game skid in their previous 11 contests. The decisive moment came when Iván Herrera delivered a two-run double with one out in the bottom of the 10th, sealing the win for St. Louis. The Cubs had taken an early lead in the top of the 10th when Pete Crow-Armstrong launched a two-run home run off Luis Gastelum, extending his season total to 24. The blast put Chicago ahead 2-1, but the Cardinals mounted a furious rally in the bottom of the inning. Lars Nootbaar opened the frame with a pinch-hit single, followed by a walk to JJ Wetherholt. Jordan Walker then drove in a run with a groundout to third base, loading the bases. Herrera, who went 3 for 5 in the game, lined a double to left-center field off Trent Thornton, driving in the tying and winning runs. The Cardinals’ relief pitching was instrumental in the comeback. Justin Bruihl, Ryne Stanek, George Soriano, and Riley O’Brien each pitched a hitless inning, shutting down the Cubs’ offense. Starter Dustin May, making what could be his final start before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, allowed just one hit and two walks over five innings, striking out six. May faced 70 batters on the evening, showcasing his durability despite the late-game pressure. The Cubs, meanwhile, faced challenges on the mound as right-handed pitcher Javier Assad (6-1, 3.86 ERA) was moved up a day to face Andre Pallante (11-6, 3.77 ERA) in the series’ final game.#chicago_cubs #st_louis_cardinals #pete_crowarmstrong #busch_stadium #ivan_herrera
Shohei Ohtani has biceps injury, return to pitching uncertain Shohei Ohtani crushed a leadoff home run Tuesday night, further proving his importance to the Dodgers even as uncertainty grows around his ability to pitch again this season. But it goes without saying that the return of a fully healthy Ohtani — one that can be his one-of-a-kind self at both the plate and on the mound — would be a boon to Los Angeles’ chances of a World Series three-peat. New details have clouded when and whether that may happen. Here’s the latest on Ohtani. Ohtani has been dealing with lingering left knee soreness, which forced him to miss his final start before the All-Star break. The issue resurfaced after he threw a 30-pitch bullpen last week, leading the Dodgers to shut him down for the time being. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Tuesday that Ohtani has also experienced an issue in his right biceps. Discomfort first appeared when Ohtani was removed from his start against the Padres on July 3. Roberts explained that compensating for his knee pain placed unintended stress on his upper half. “Trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens — hopefully, No. 1, take care of the knee and then not have him try to create velocity with the arm that’s not 100%,” Roberts said. Ohtani’s last MLB start before injury was July 3, when he pitched 6 innings against the Padres. He allowed three runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts and two walks. He threw the aforementioned 30-pitch bullpen last Wednesday (July 22) and has not pitched off a mound since. There is currently no timeline for Ohtani’s return. Roberts emphasized that the club will not push him forward until he feels 100%. “I think the last ‘pen that he had, there was a little bit of regression,” Roberts said.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #dave_roberts #pete_crowarmstrong
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
At the trade deadline, the Cubs shouldn’t take Pete Crow-Armstrong’s season for granted CHICAGO — Pete Crow-Armstrong’s meteoric rise to superstardom has positioned him as a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs’ future, with his performance this season reshaping the team’s approach to the Aug. 3 trade deadline. The 24-year-old center fielder, who signed a six-year, $115 million contract extension before Opening Day in March, has become a focal point of the Cubs’ playoff aspirations. His combination of offensive production, defensive prowess, and clubhouse leadership has elevated him to the top of the league in wins above replacement, according to FanGraphs and Baseball Reference. Crow-Armstrong’s journey to this point has been marked by rapid growth. After being acquired in a 2021 trade that saw the Cubs part with fan favorites Kris Bryant and Javier Báez, he has evolved into a player who dominates both sides of the ball. His offensive approach has matured significantly, with a more selective hitting plan leading to a more than doubling of his walk rate from the previous season without sacrificing power (21 home runs) or speed (25 stolen bases). Defensively, he has emerged as a Gold Glove-level performer, leading the majors in Statcast’s outs above average and fielding run value. The Cubs’ leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining Crow-Armstrong’s current trajectory. General manager Jed Hoyer, who oversaw the 2016 World Series team’s trade-deadline acquisition of Aroldis Chapman, praised Crow-Armstrong’s disciplined approach. “This current approach is exactly what we always hoped he could get to,” Hoyer said. “It just came a lot faster than we thought.#chicago_cubs #shohei_ohtani #aaron_judge #pete_crowarmstrong #jed_hoyer
Pete Crow-Armstrong Tops 2026 MLB Pre-Arbitration Bonus Pool List Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has once again emerged as the top recipient of the 2026 MLB pre-arbitration bonus pool, securing the largest share of the $50 million allocated to players with less than two years and 140 days of major league service. According to WAR calculations provided by Major League Baseball, Crow-Armstrong is projected to receive $1,179,587 through July 6, surpassing his previous midseason total of $1,091,102 and final figure of $1,206,207. This marks his third consecutive year leading the bonus pool, with a 2024 payout of $342,128. Crow-Armstrong’s performance through July 6 includes a .282 batting average, 21 home runs, 55 RBIs, 25 stolen bases, and a .900 OPS. The bonus pool, established under the 2022 collective bargaining agreement, aims to distribute funds to players ineligible for salary arbitration due to insufficient service time. A 100-player list was released, with Miami shortstop Otto Lopez securing the second-highest amount at $910,239, followed by Milwaukee right-hander Jacob Misiorowski ($896,407) and St. Louis second baseman JJ Wetherholt ($879,874). Other notable recipients include Detroit catcher Dillon Dingler ($797,802), Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle ($786,326), and Washington outfielder James Wood ($711,330). The bonus pool’s distribution has fluctuated over recent years, with $12.75 million allocated in 2025, $9.85 million in 2024, $9.25 million in 2023, and $11.25 million in 2022. The players’ association has proposed increasing the pool to $180 million in 2027, followed by annual raises of $15 million. However, foreign professionals are excluded from the program.#chicago_cubs #mlb #major_league_baseball #pete_crowarmstrong #otto_lopez
Cubs' Eventful April: A Season in Miniature The Chicago Cubs’ opening month of the season unfolded like a condensed version of the entire campaign, marked by dramatic shifts in fortunes, key roster moves, and standout performances that positioned the team for a strong second-half push. After a slow start, the Cubs surged with a 10-game winning streak, their longest since 1970, and climbed to second place in the National League Central with a 19-12 record. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the challenges of navigating a competitive league, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience. “This is a Major League season. Things happen,” he said. “You play the game in front of you and go from there. That builds resilience.” The month began with significant contract extensions for two key players: shortstop Nico Hoerner and outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Hoerner, in particular, delivered one of his best performances of the season, showcasing elite production that would have placed him in the NL MVP conversation if he maintained his early pace. Through April, Hoerner posted a .291/.370/.449 batting line with four home runs, eight doubles, and 26 RBIs in 146 plate appearances. His 1.6 fWAR ranked him fourth in the majors, trailing only Yordan Alvarez, Elly De La Cruz, and Aaron Judge. Hoerner also joined an elite group of Cubs players since 1995 to accumulate at least 25 RBIs and 35 hits in the team’s first 30 games. Meanwhile, the pitching staff faced its own set of hurdles. Right-handed reliever Cade Horton was lost for the season due to injury, and the bullpen endured a wave of setbacks that forced frequent changes. Despite these challenges, Shota Imanaga emerged as a standout. The left-handed starter carried his spring success into the regular season, posting a 3.15 ERA in six starts.#chicago_cubs #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #craig_counsell #shota_imanaga
Cubs, Nico Hoerner Agree to 6-Year Extension The Chicago Cubs have secured second baseman Nico Hoerner with a six-year contract extension, keeping him under team control through the 2029 season. The deal, reported by ESPN, prevents Hoerner from becoming a free agent after the 2025 season. Financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, and the Cubs have not officially announced the signing. Hoerner, 28, struggled in his debut with the Cubs, going 0 for 4 in the team’s Opening Day loss to the Washington Nationals. However, his overall performance in 2024 was impressive. Last season, he posted a .297 batting average with a .345 on-base percentage and .394 slugging percentage, along with 29 stolen bases. His strikeout rate was among the lowest among qualified hitters, and his defensive skills earned him a Gold Glove Award. Over the past four seasons, Hoerner has consistently contributed around 4 wins above replacement (WAR), solidifying his status as one of baseball’s most underrated players. The extension comes as part of a broader effort by the Cubs to retain key players ahead of free agency. Earlier this week, the team also signed center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to a six-year, $115 million contract. With shortstop Dansby Swanson already locked in through 2029, the Cubs have ensured their infielders—Hoerner, Crow-Armstrong, and Swanson—will remain together for at least three more seasons. All three are Gold Glove defenders, and their combined offensive and defensive value is considered nearly irreplaceable. The decision to extend Hoerner aligns with predictions made by analysts earlier in the season. With several core players set to hit free agency, including Ian Happ, Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, Jameson Taillon, and others, the Cubs were expected to prioritize long-term deals.#chicago_cubs #mlb #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #dansby_swanson
Chicago Cubs Contract Extension Rumors for Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner Show No Progress Reports from Jon Heyman indicate that the Chicago Cubs are not close to finalizing contract extensions for either Pete Crow-Armstrong or Nico Hoerner, despite ongoing speculation. While the Cubs have previously offered $66 million for Crow-Armstrong, there is no indication of a near-term deal, and Heyman suggests the team remains open to higher figures. However, the lack of concrete developments suggests that negotiations are far from active. Crow-Armstrong’s market value has fluctuated significantly over the past year. His MVP-caliber first-half performance, marked by a dynamic 30-30 threat and elite defensive skills, once positioned him at astronomical value. However, a decline in offensive production later in the season brought his worth back to more realistic levels. Despite this, the Gold Glove winner still holds substantial long-term value, though the Cubs may now have a clearer understanding of his future contributions, particularly at the plate. The current uncertainty, combined with the approaching Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, has created a challenging environment for meaningful progress on a long-term deal. While Crow-Armstrong’s extension remains uncertain, he is under team control through the 2030 season regardless of any agreement. For Hoerner, the situation is more urgent. The second baseman is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, and if he replicates his 2025 performance—highlighted by a 4.8 fWAR, Gold Glove award, and batting title runner-up finish—he could command a premium price. His value extends beyond his on-field contributions, as Heyman notes that some view him as the “lifeblood” of the team.#chicago_cubs #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #jon_heyman #collective_bargaining_agreement
Cubs Extend Pete Crow-Armstrong - MLB Trade Rumors The Chicago Cubs and star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are finalizing a long-term contract extension, according to ESPN reporter Jeff Passan. Once completed, the deal will secure one of baseball’s premier defensive players for the team’s future. Crow-Armstrong, who has been a key asset for the Cubs since joining the organization, is expected to remain with the club for multiple seasons. The Cubs attempted to finalize a deal with Crow-Armstrong during last year’s Spring Training, but the sides could not reach an agreement. At the time, Crow-Armstrong was coming off a rookie season marked by a .237/.286/.384 batting line. However, the Cubs believed he had untapped offensive potential. Despite the failed negotiation, there was never any question about his defensive capabilities, which have consistently been among the best in the league. A year later, Crow-Armstrong has evolved into a more well-rounded player. His offensive production has surged, with a career-high 31 home runs and 72 extra-base hits. He also stole 35 bases, joining an elite group of players who reached the 30-30 milestone. His all-around impact was further highlighted by 24 Outs Above Average and 15 Defensive Runs Saved, tying him for second among center fielders in the latter category. For much of the 2024 season, Crow-Armstrong was considered a top-three MVP candidate. He began the year on an offensive tear, hitting 27 home runs with a .272/.309/.559 slash line through mid-July. However, his performance dipped significantly in the final months, as he struggled to a .188/.237/.295 line over his last 200 plate appearances. Despite the late-season slump, his overall contributions to the team have solidified his value as a cornerstone player.#chicago_cubs #pete_crowarmstrong #jeff_passan #mlb_trade_rumors #center_field
Cubs Finalize Long-Term Extension with Star Center Fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong The Chicago Cubs and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are finalizing a long-term contract extension, securing one of the league’s most promising young talents after his breakout 2024 season. The deal comes as Crow-Armstrong, who turns 24 on Wednesday, emerged as a key contributor for the Cubs, winning a Gold Glove and becoming the first player in three decades to record a 30-30 season. Crow-Armstrong’s rise to prominence was marked by his elite defensive skills and offensive contributions. Last season, he solidified his reputation as the best center fielder in baseball, showcasing both power and speed. His first half of the season was particularly impressive, as he hit .265/.302/.544 with 25 home runs and 27 stolen bases. While his second-half performance dipped slightly—posting six home runs, eight steals, and a .216/.262/.372 slash line—the Cubs viewed his overall production as a sign of his potential. The 2024 season saw Crow-Armstrong earn an All-Star berth and represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic. His standout play included leading the majors in Outs Above Average, a testament to his defensive prowess. Despite his offensive struggles in the second half, the Cubs remained confident, attributing his performance to a temporary dip rather than a lack of ability. Crow-Armstrong’s journey to the majors began with a trade from the New York Mets in 2023. The Mets, seeking to upgrade their roster, sent him to the Cubs in exchange for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. The move proved beneficial for Chicago, as Crow-Armstrong quickly adapted to the big leagues. After a strong minor league season in 2023, he made his MLB debut as a September call-up in 2024.#world_baseball_classic #chicago_cubs #new_york_mets #pete_crowarmstrong #national_league_central
