Former Mets' First-Rounder Runs Away With Platinum Glove On Way To MVP

The New York Mets were represented once on the list of 2026 Gold Glove winners thanks to pitcher Nolan McLean’s defensive season from the mound. Still, there was another name on the list that evoked even more emotion for many Mets fans.

That name is Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Chicago Cubs' center fielder. 2026 is now his second consecutive season winning the award. Not only did he win a Gold Glove, but he was also named the National League’s Platinum Glove winner, meaning he was voted the best defensive player in the league.

For Mets fans, it has to sting. PCA was once a top prospect within the Mets organization. In 2021, he was the No. 5 prospect in New York’s system after being taken 19th overall by the Mets in the 2020 draft.

PCA’s time within the Mets’ system was short-lived, with only six minor league games in 2021 with the club’s Single-A affiliate. In that sample, he impressed with a .417/.563/.500 slash line. While his bat came to play, the real prize with PCA was always his defense.

His fielding tool was graded a 65 during the draft process back in 2020, with a 55-graded arm to complement it. His feel for making the right reads and taking the right routes was always on display. Unfortunately, the Mets wouldn’t get to reap the benefits of his special defensive abilities.

At the trade deadline in 2021, New York included PCA in a blockbuster deal to land star shortstop Javier Baez from the Cubs. Entering free agency after that season, Baez was great for the Mets in that second half. He recorded a 1.7 bWAR in 47 games thanks to a .299/.371/.515 slash line while providing great defense at the premier defensive position.

The Mets, on the other hand, didn’t make the most of this opportunity, missing out on the postseason entirely despite being aggressive buyers at the deadline. They ended up finishing eight games under .500 and 13 games out of a Wild Card spot. Baez would end up signing with the Detroit Tigers that offseason.

While the Mets got 47 games from Baez, Chicago would develop PCA into one of baseball’s brightest stars. He debuted in 2023 but really showcased his All-Star ability in 2025. This past season saw PCA take even more of a jump, turning into a legitimate star at the plate and not just out in center field. His .943 OPS led the NL, while his 45 home runs led all of baseball.

Of course, his defense was still the best in baseball. PCA led baseball in Fielding Run Value and Outs Above Average while recording 18 runs saved above average. Though there was a strong case to be made for him winning the Platinum Glove in 2025, there was no question about who would take it home this year.

It’s a trade that will haunt New York for many years to come, as PCA has transcended into one of baseball’s best hitters while fulfilling his defensive potential in the outfield. It stings to watch PCA have the success he’s having in another uniform, but Mets fans can at least be comfortable in the fact that they have two rising stars of their own in their outfield. We’ll see if A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge can make many forget about one of the worst trades in recent memory.