Pete Crow-Armstrong blasted onto the fantasy radar with a 3030 rookie season and a clear path to 2026 stardom, sending a message that Cubs outfield depth could become a real advantage next year. Geraldo Perdomo followed with a complete shortstop breakout: 20 homers, 27 stolen bases, and a .290 average across 161 games, presenting a floor that should keep him in the middle infield mix.

Shay Langeliers transformed into a true power catcher, topping 30 homers and driving catcher value higher than expected, while Hunter Goodman thrived in Colorado with 31 HR and 91 RBI in a full season, though Colorado shelter or league change could twist the numbers. Andy Paz, Christopher Sanchez, Andrew Abbott, and other youngsters fed optimism and caution in equal measure as the season closed, feeding Keeper/Dynasty plans and 2026 draft boards.

Further notes pointed to strong late-year performers like Langeliers and Sanchez, while question marks around Paz’s second-half fade and Abbott’s regression risk kept expectations grounded. The episode also highlighted carryover keeper strategies, keeper/dynasty timelines, and how to attack 2026 ADPs with breakout potential in mind.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is in a rough patch after the break, but the underlying data paints a patient, long-term bounce-back story. He’s posting solid contact metrics and power indicators, suggesting the slump is temporary rather than a failing profile. Fantasy managers should weigh the Cubs’ lineup context and the rookie’s track record before pulling the plug.

James Wood carries a contrasting arc: elite raw exit velocity and hard-contact rates point to a breakout ceiling, even as a two-week lull drags his ownership down. Wyatt Langford owns a different tale—early-season promise tempered by a brutal month, with strike-zone discipline and plate approach as the keys to his next stretch. Lawrence Butler and Brendan Donovan illustrate the mid-season reality: big counting stats can mask inefficiencies, making them risky or retreat-worthy in shallower formats while still usable in deeper leagues where flexibility matters.

Max Fried remains a pillar, but recent results urge matchup-driven decisions rather than reckless trust. Josh Hader’s shoulder issue clouds late-season plans, elevating Brian Abreu as a potential save-hand in the short term. The host’s broader theme is clear: with playoff push here, owners must cut the fat, protect the core, and ride the upside players who can carry through the final sprint while managing risky spots with strategic benching and timely pickups.

In a recent episode of Fantasy Baseball Today, the hosts outlined their redraft for the first two rounds of the fantasy baseball season, taking into account players' performances and projections for the rest of the year. The discussion kicked off with a review of notable highlights from the first half of the season, including Pete Crow-Armstrong's unexpected success, being a topic of heated debate among fantasy players. The home run derby results were also a point of interest, notably with 'Big Dumper' winning and the impressive distance hit by O'Neal Cruz. As they moved into the redraft, Aaron Judge was unanimously selected as the top pick, followed by Shohei Ohtani, whose continued dual-threat performance keeps him high on draft lists. Other standout picks included Bobby Witt Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Cal Raleigh, with discussions focusing on the potential impacts of each player moving forward.

The CHGO Cubs podcast highlights the impressive performance of Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is emerging as a potential NL MVP contender. As the Cubs continue to ride a winning streak, PCA's defensive prowess and offensive contributions, including a home run that electrified Wrigley Field, are making headlines. Seiya Suzuki also made an impact with his 18th home run, enhancing the Cubs' offensive depth. The hosts discuss the Cubs' position in the NL Central and the potential for success as they navigate the second half of the season.

With a six and a half game lead in the division, the Cubs are demonstrating resilience and adaptability, showcasing their ability to win games under pressure. The bullpen's strong performances and the cohesion within the team are crucial as they push forward. The analysis dives into specific players, with a spotlight on the significant contributions from PCA and Suzuki, emphasizing their roles in the team's success.