Regression to the mean looms as Ronald Acuna Jr. and Pete Crow-Armstrong face daunting reality check in MLB

Oneil Cruz, the star of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is on the way to defy the historic Ronald Acuña Jr. brand of 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases, achieved in 2023 when Acuña unanimously won the MVP of the National League. Oneil Cruz threatens Ronald Acuña Jr and his historical record Although Oneil Cruz has not connected home runs or stolen bases in his last three games, his initial numbers in the 2025 season are impressive. In the first 33 games o…

Braves: Expectations for Ronald Acuña Jr. when he returns?

The question, when will Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider return to the Braves, is probably not as important as how will they look when they return to Atlanta. For Spencer Strider, the concerns probably aren’t as significant. He’s already made one start for the club before going back on the IL with a Grade 1 hamstring injury and looked pretty similar to the guy that was so dominant before he had surgery on his UCL last April, tossing five inn…

Regression to the mean looms as Ronald Acuna Jr. and Pete Crow-Armstrong face daunting reality check in MLB

A single swing or stolen base can change narratives, yet both extreme success and inevitable regression remind us that even the brightest stars in baseball face the harsh realities of statistical balance. A Meteoric Rise and an Inevitable Setback Ronald Acuna Jr.’s journey through recent seasons has been nothing short of extraordinary. In one season, his batting line soared to a remarkable .337/.416/.596, complemented by 41 home runs, 103 RBI, 7…

Chicago Cubs see $400 million number pop up on Pete Crow-Armstrong's future extension

The Chicago Cubs offered Pete Crow-Armstrong $75 million this spring. He turned down the offer and might need $200 to stay.

What's Behind Pete Crow-Armstrong's Newfound Power?

Pete Crow-Armstrong entered 2025 an offensive profile away from becoming an elite player. The then 22-year-old outfielder showed flashes of success during parts of the 2024 season, but needed to increase his 87 wRC+. Those improvements are coming in a big way this season. Entering play on Tuesday, Crow-Armstrong owns a .271/.306/.550 slash line for a 137 wRC+ in his first 150 plate appearances of the season. His outstanding 2.4 BsR and 6.5 Defen…