Pete Crow-Armstrong: Why Everyone Says He’s the Best Defensive Outfielder in Baseball Right Now

Meet the "Human Highlight Reel" in Center Field

Imagine a superhero whose power is catching baseballs that almost nobody else can reach. That’s Pete Crow-Armstrong (nicknamed "PCA") in a nutshell.

In just his third full season in the Major Leagues, the Chicago Cubs center fielder has already built a case as the best defensive outfielder in the game today. And the craziest part? He’s only 24 years old.

Important Point: When baseball experts say "defense," they mean everything a player does without the bat — running, throwing, catching, and positioning. PCA is elite at all of it.

The Stamp of Approval from a Legend

Who is Kevin Kiermaier?

Before we dive into PCA’s stats, meet the guy giving him the ultimate compliment: Kevin Kiermaier.

• 11 seasons in the big leagues (mostly with the Tampa Bay Rays)
• 4 Gold Glove Awards (given to the best defensive player at each position every year)
• 1 Platinum Glove Award (best overall defender in the entire league)
• Widely considered one of the greatest defensive center fielders ever

What Kiermaier Said About PCA

"He is elite right now — best defensive outfielder in baseball, and I don’t see that changing until further notice."

Kiermaier first heard about PCA in the minor leagues. He saw highlights of PCA’s speed, arm strength, and instincts and thought, "Okay, this dude is good. But I need to see more."

Then, during Kiermaier’s final season (2024) with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he watched PCA play live at Dodger Stadium. His reaction?

"The most impressive defensive series from an outfielder I had ever seen."

And that was before PCA took his game to another level in 2025 and 2026.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Advanced Metrics Explained Simply

Baseball now uses high-tech cameras and radar (called Statcast) to track every movement on the field. Think of it like a Fitbit for baseball players — it measures speed, distance, reaction time, and more.

Here’s how PCA grades out in the "report card" that matters most for defense:

1. The Best "Jump" in the Game

• What it means: How quickly a fielder reacts the moment the ball is hit.
• PCA’s grade: +5.0 feet above average — #1 among ALL MLB outfielders.
• ELI5: While other outfielders are still deciding which way to run, PCA is already 5 feet closer to the ball.

2. Covers the Most Ground

• What it means: Total distance run to track down fly balls.
• PCA’s grade: 39.8 feet per play — most in the majors.
• ELI5: He runs farther, faster, than anyone else to make the catch.

3. The "5-Star Catch" King

This is the coolest stat of all.

• What is a 5-star catch? A ball that Statcast says has only a 0–25% chance of being caught. These are the "no way he got that!" plays.
• PCA’s record (as of July 2026):
  • 35 five-star catches in just 1,123 innings (about 125 games)
  • 54.7% success rate on those impossible plays
• Previous record holder: Kevin Kiermaier — 32 five-star catches in 2,118 innings (nearly double the playing time)

Important Point: PCA broke the record in half the innings. He makes "impossible" catches look routine.

4. Outs Above Average (OAA)

• What it means: How many extra outs a fielder creates compared to an average player.
• All-time leader: Kiermaier with 91 OAA
• PCA (so far): 59 OAA — and climbing fast
• Only two other outfielders in history have more than 70 OAA (Harrison Bader: 77, Byron Buxton: 74)

Breaking the Record: The Moment PCA Passed His Idol

When Kiermaier found out PCA had passed his 5-star catch record, he didn’t get bitter — he got excited.

"When I see stuff like that, I say I wish I could get back out there… but man, respect. He is amazing at covering ground and how quick he can get from point A to point B… Cubs fans, Cubs pitchers, they’re spoiled."

Kiermaier laughed and admitted the competitive part of him doesn’t want to say PCA is better. But the honest part knows:

"His numbers are going to be off the charts. It’s his platform right now and he gets to paint whatever picture he chooses to."

The Mindset: "Hit It to Me"

Kiermaier built his career on a simple, fearless mentality:

"If the pitcher isn’t going to strike the guy out, I pray the ball is hit to me."

Especially in high-pressure moments (like a sacrifice fly with the winning run on third), Kiermaier wanted the ball. He believes PCA has that exact same mindset.

"He has the mindset for it, and then all the physical tools… His confidence is on a different level, and it should be… I guarantee that he is fearless out there."

Why Mindset Matters (ELI5 Version)

• Physical tools = speed, arm, reflexes (the hardware)
• Mindset = wanting the ball, expecting to make the play, not being afraid to crash into a wall (the software)
• PCA has BOTH — that’s why he’s special.

Kiermaier’s Next Chapter: Teaching the Next Generation

After retiring in 2024, Kiermaier didn’t just ride off into the sunset. He joined the Toronto Blue Jays as a special assistant, working with outfielders at every level — from rookies to big leaguers.

Then he launched his own project: The 3-9 Effect.

What is the 3-9 Effect?

• Goal: Revolutionize how outfield defense is taught.
• Focus: Throwing programs, how to practice during batting practice ("shagging"), positioning, and thinking like an elite defender.
• Why "3-9"? The numbers 3 (first base) and 9 (right field) represent the classic throw from right field to first — a play Kiermaier mastered.

"I knew how I was offensively and I needed so much guidance… I watch young outfielders and guys where nothing has clicked defensively. Let me show you how we think and how we do things."

A Friendship Built on Texts and Mutual Respect

• PCA and Kiermaier have never met face-to-face — yet.
• They text regularly. Kiermaier sends messages like: "You’re unreal" and "These catches never cease to amaze me."
• Kiermaier’s brother, Dan, is the Cubs’ head groundskeeper — he sees PCA every day and tells Kevin: "He reminds me of you."
• Kiermaier hopes to meet PCA someday. For now, he’s happy watching from afar.

"PCA is unreal, and he’s going to be elite for years to come… I think we can have this conversation 10, 12 years down the road and I’ll say, ‘Boy, little did I know he was going to do this, this and that.’ He deserves all the praise."

Summary: Why PCA is in a League of His Own

Bottom line: We’re watching a once-in-a-generation defensive talent in his prime. And he’s just getting started.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is a "Gold Glove Award"?

A: It’s like the Oscar for defense. Every year, the best defensive player at each position (in each league) wins one. Kiermaier has four. PCA won his first in 2025 and is the favorite to win again in 2026.

What does "Statcast" actually track?

A: Think of it as GPS + radar for every player and the ball. It measures:

• Exit velocity (how hard the ball is hit)
• Launch angle
• Sprint speed
• Jump (reaction time)
• Route efficiency (did the fielder run a straight line?)
• Catch probability (how hard was the play?)

Why are "5-star catches" such a big deal?

A: Because they’re nearly impossible. A 5-star catch has a 0–25% catch probability — meaning if 100 average outfielders tried it, 75 to 100 would fail. PCA makes more than half of them.

What is "Outs Above Average" (OAA)?

A: It’s a cumulative score that says: "Compared to an average outfielder, how many extra outs has this player created?" Positive = good. Negative = bad. PCA’s +59 is elite, especially in so few innings.

Can PCA keep this up for 10+ years like Kiermaier?

A: That’s the million-dollar question. Defense usually peaks early (speed declines in 30s), but PCA’s instincts, routes, and mindset could age gracefully. Kiermaier thinks so: "He’s going to be elite for years to come."

Want to see PCA in action? Search "Pete Crow-Armstrong 5-star catches" on YouTube — and prepare to say "No way!" at least a dozen times.