World Baseball Classic Controversy: Should Pete Crow-Armstrong Start for Team USA
I’m sorry Chicago Cubs fans, but this honestly should not be a controversy whatsoever, however, there were some questioning why Pete Crow-Armstrong wasn’t the starting center fielder for Friday night’s World Baseball Classic opener for Team USA. Instead, veteran Byron Buxton got the nod as the Minnesota Twins center fielder is slotted into the No. 8 spot in the batting order against Brazil.
And you know what, maybe I had similar feelings to those who still disagree with the decision, but I can admit that I was too caught up in my Cubs circle and kind of forgot about how good Buxton has been and was in 2025. Yes, Crow-Armstrong was the first 30/30 player in franchise history since the mid-90s for the Cubs, but in case you missed Buxton’s 2025 All-Star season he was also crushing the ball.
I do think that all his injuries led me to believe that Buxton had another limited year, but no, he didn’t. Buxton slashed .264/.327/.551, with 35 home runs in 126 games. Oh and Buxton also had 24 stolen bases, his highest total since swiping 29 bags during his third season in the majors in 2017.
No disrespect to Crow-Armstrong, but Buxton should 100% be the starting center fielder this year. He’s still one of the most productive center fielders in MLB and honestly the fans who should be most upset are Twins fans just for the fact that they’re going to cringe any time Buxton has to go all out on the field.
The only thing keeping Buxton from being an elite overall player has been the injuries throughout his career as he has only been able to play more than 100 games in a season three times in his 11-year career.
As for the Cubs’ center fielder, he’s eventually going to have his time to be a star with Team USA and even in this year’s World Baseball Classic Crow-Armstrong should get a decent amount of playing time.
Crow-Armstrong finished the 2025 season with 31 home runs, 35 stolen bases and he won his first National League gold glove award as well in center field. He’ll get his time eventually.