Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong reveals leadoff mindset vs. Brewers
The Chicago Cubs have found a spark when it matters most. Facing elimination in the 2025 NLDS vs. the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs kept their season alive with a 4-3 win in Game 3 at Wrigley Field. The victory, fueled by another explosive first inning from the offense, reflected a simple but effective theme — set the tone early and never look back. It was the kind of start that energized both the dugout and the Wrigley crowd, giving Chicago the momentum it desperately needed to stay alive in the series.
Outfielder and rising star Pete Crow-Armstrong spoke about that mentality following the game, crediting leadoff success for keeping the team energized. After two straight losses in Milwaukee, Chicago’s quick start in Game 3 — capped by a Michael Busch home run — proved crucial in keeping its postseason hopes alive.
MLB’s official X (formerly known as Twitter) account posted a video of the 5-tool outfielder discussing how crucial the leadoff approach has been in setting the tone, after Michael Busch delivered his second leadoff home run in the last three games against the Brewers.
“I just think that's so exciting. To be able to set a tone like that… that's so huge.”
That tone-setting energy was on full display in Game 3. Busch’s leadoff blast electrified the crowd before Crow-Armstrong lined a two-run single to right, giving Chicago a 3-1 lead before Milwaukee could record an out. The Cubs scored all four of their runs in the opening frame and held on behind Brad Keller’s clutch save to stay alive.
Crow-Armstrong’s comments reflect the team’s growing identity this postseason. Chicago has scored seven of its ten NLDS runs in the first inning, and the approach aligns perfectly with the club’s offensive philosophy that has driven their 2025 playoff push.
For the 23-year-old center fielder, the NLDS series vs. the Brewers has been another step in his rapid evolution — balancing poise with energy while providing timely offense and elite defense. As the Cubs prepare for Game 4 at Wrigley Field, that same leadoff mindset may be the key to forcing a decisive Game 5 back in Milwaukee.
Seahawks 'paying very close attention' to teams for potential trade markets
The Seattle Seahawks lost a thriller to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and are now 3-2. With the San Francisco 49ers atop the NFC West at 4-1, and the Los Angeles Rams tied with Seattle at 3-2, the Seahawks could consider making some moves at the trade deadline.
After their week five performance, the defense has been propped up as an area the Seahawks could address. There have been trade rumors around Riq Woolen in the secondary, but regarding Seattle adding players, there has not been much buzz.
In a recent mailbag, Seahawks.com senior reporter John Boyle was asked what kind of moves could be coming for Seattle. While he didn't reveal any clear expectations, Boyle did allude to what John Schneider is working on at the moment, and it's an encouraging report.
Seahawks keeping close tabs on teams around the NFL ahead of the trade deadline
"I'm not going to pretend to know who or what position group the Seahawks might target in a potential trade, if they were to make one," Boyle writes, "But what is safe to say is that Schneider and the personnel department are paying very close attention to what teams around the league are doing and trying to decipher who might be available, and then looking at who could be a fit to add to the team."
This process isn't uncommon, and it's the expected one for a team like Seattle, which should be a playoff team this season. With a strong offense and solid defense, Seattle has all the reasons to be a buyer at the trade deadline.
Some positions on defense might be more obvious, like the needs at corner, linebacker, and safety, but the Seahawks aren't going to lock into just those spots.
As Boyle mentions, the Seahawks will be looking through teams around the league to see what players would be good additions to the roster at the trade deadline.
Seattle doesn't have any clear or dire needs like some other teams might have, but there are still plenty of ways to add to this roster.
With Sam Darnold looking like a top quarterback, the Seahawks have even more reason to be willing to buy at the deadline. For now, there aren't any concrete plans, but with the trade deadline getting closer by the day, Seattle making a trade or two wouldn't be out of the question.
As Boyle reports, the Seahawks are keeping close tabs on teams around the league for potential trade deadline additions. There are plenty of teams with losing records on the verge of being full-blown sellers, and Seattle might be buying, especially with their track record of in-season trades at the deadline.
