Pete Crow-Armstrong is making headlines in Major League Baseball as one of the top outfielders today. Entering his third full season, his talents have caught the attention of seasoned players and fans alike. Among those impressed is Kevin Kiermaier, known for his stellar defensive play during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he earned four Gold Glove Awards and a Platinum Glove Award.
Rising to Prominence
Kiermaier recalls hearing rumors about Crow-Armstrong’s potential while the latter was still a minor leaguer. With a reputation for speed and a strong arm, Crow-Armstrong quickly proved those predictions true. Kiermaier observed live action from Crow-Armstrong during a game at Dodger Stadium in 2024, noting the outstanding defensive skills of the young player.
Over recent years, Crow-Armstrong has elevated his defensive prowess, securing his first Gold Glove Award last year with potential for more following his exceptional performance in 2026. Kiermaier praises Crow-Armstrong’s capabilities, considering him elite and possibly the best defensive outfielder currently in the game.
Impressive Metrics and Achievements
Advanced metrics provide a clear picture of Crow-Armstrong’s standout ability. He leads MLB outfielders with an average of +5.0 feet above average in terms of jump and covers a remarkable 39.8 feet on the field. This has resulted in achieving numerous low-probability catches, a testament to his skill.
In a game at Wrigley Field on July 20, Crow-Armstrong surpassed Kiermaier’s record for the most five-star catches, showcasing his agility and instinct. He completed 35 five-star catches in only 1,123 innings, maintaining an impressive 54.7% success rate on such difficult plays.
Kiermaier, who holds 91 career Outs Above Average, reflected on his career achievements and recognized Crow-Armstrong’s potential trajectory.
“He is amazing at covering ground. Cubs fans and pitchers are lucky to have him,” Kiermaier remarks.
Kiermaier’s Post-Retirement Endeavors
After his retirement in 2024, Kiermaier worked with the Toronto Blue Jays, sharing his defensive expertise with both major and minor league players. His dedication led him to establish the 3-9 Effect, an initiative aimed at enhancing outfield defense by implementing structured throwing programs.
Kiermaier finds satisfaction in mentoring young outfielders, sharing his defensive insights, and contributing to their growth. He has remained in occasional contact with Crow-Armstrong, exchanging encouraging messages about the young player’s achievements.
“PCA is unreal, and he’s going to be elite for years to come,” Kiermaier concludes.
Crow-Armstrong’s trajectory suggests a bright future in MLB, potentially setting benchmarks for outfield defense. As Kiermaier watches from afar, there is optimism for continued excellence in Crow-Armstrong’s career.