Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is making waves during a standout season, showcasing his promise and talent as he approaches potential contract negotiations. After rejecting an early extension offer from the Cubs, Crow-Armstrong expressed a strong desire to remain with the team, emphasizing his commitment to winning and feeling at home in Chicago.

At just 23, he has already reached significant milestones, including hitting 20 home runs and stealing 20 bases in a season, while accumulating an impressive 4.5 WAR through 73 games. Crow-Armstrong's pride in being a Cub drives his ambition for a long-term deal similar to those of other young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. This commitment bodes well for the Cubs as they look to secure a key player for their future.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has made history by hitting his 29th home run of the season before the All-Star break, surpassing the previous record held by Johnny Bench. The milestone was achieved during a game against the Chicago Cubs, where Raleigh's two-run homer marked a pivotal moment, boosting the Mariners to a 6-4 lead. Raleigh's achievement is notable for its speed; he accomplished this in just 73 games, far fewer than Bench's 87 games needed for 28 homers in 1970.

Currently leading all of MLB with his 29 homers, Raleigh's impressive season includes a .270 batting average and 63 RBIs. Nicknamed "The Big Dumper," he is on track to surpass his career-high of 34 home runs from last season, solidifying his status as one of the premier power-hitting catchers in the game.

In 2025, Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a key player for the Chicago Cubs, boasting an impressive .270 batting average and an .867 OPS in 73 games. With 20 home runs and 60 RBIs, he leads the National League with a remarkable 4.5 WAR, showcasing his all-around skills on the field. Following a solid 2024 season, his breakout year has put him in the MVP conversation and garnered significant All-Star voting support from fans.

Having made his major league debut in 2023, Crow-Armstrong has demonstrated growth and adaptability, crediting his success to the experience gained over the past years and the strong support from teammates. As he continues to develop, both Cubs fans and fantasy enthusiasts should keep an eye on his performance, especially as the postseason approaches, where his contributions could be pivotal in a potential playoff run for the Cubs.

Sammy Sosa has made a triumphant return to Wrigley Field, marking his first appearance since a controversial exit in 2004. The former Chicago Cubs slugger reunited with the organization earlier this year and was expected to make a surprise reveal during a 'Legends of the Game' segment. However, news of his return leaked early, diminishing the surprise. Sosa's last game with the Cubs ended on a sour note, with a dispute over his departure from the game. After years of back-and-forth with the Cubs, Sosa issued a semi-apology for past mistakes, clarifying that he wasn't apologizing for alleged PED use but rather for being absent from the lives of Cubs fans.

Now, Sosa is set to begin a new chapter as part of the Cubs family. His involvement includes serving as a guest instructor during spring training and being inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame later this year. His legacy, particularly the thrilling home run race with Mark McGwire in 1998, remains a critical part of baseball history. Sosa's return to the Cubs is a significant moment for both the player and the organization, signaling reconciliation and a fresh start.

On Friday, Sammy Sosa made a significant return to Wrigley Field, marking his first appearance in over two decades, coinciding with his upcoming induction into the Cubs' Hall of Fame. Despite past controversies surrounding performance-enhancing substances, Sosa was warmly welcomed by Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and manager Craig Counsell. Sosa's legacy is highlighted by his explosive performance during his tenure, including a record-setting 66 home runs in 1998. Alongside rising star Pete Crow-Armstrong, Sosa celebrated the Cubs' rich history while reflecting on his journey, including past mistakes, showing a commitment to growth and reconciliation with fans.