Cody Bellinger's return adds another wrinkle to Cubs' decision on Pete Crow-Armstrong

(670 The Score) With star Cody Bellinger back in the fold for the Cubs on a three-year, $80-million deal, 21-year-old outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong’s role and developmental track have become a big topic of conversation in spring training.

A strong defender, Bellinger projects to most often start in center field for the Cubs, but he can also play first base well. His return was a huge boost to the Cubs’ outlook in 2024 and also added a new wrinkle to Crow-Armstrong’s future. There won’t be consistent playing time available in the outfield, especially if the Cubs give the recently acquired Michael Busch a lot of time at first base, which would keep Bellinger in center field.

So what lies ahead for Crow-Armstrong? The Cubs are still figuring that out, manager Craig Counsell said.

"Look, we are going to have to decide on him,” Counsell said. "With Pete, it's pretty easy because there is something he does very well. That is what's going to force us to make a decision. He plays defense in center field at a high level. Then again, the other side of the coin is at his age. He needs at-bats and to have success at it. There is not a lot to figure out about Pete. We can dissect it in a million ways, but at some point, we must make a decision. It's going to be hard to establish yourself offensively, because it's a hard league. He will get better as he struggles a little bit and makes some adjustments.”

Crow-Armstrong made his MLB debut last September but struggled at the plate, going 0-for-14 in limited action. He’s an elite defender with terrific speed on the basepaths, which could give him a role for the Cubs off the bench. But his need for consistent at-bats could lead to him opening the season at Triple-A.

“Pete is a player that will just benefit from being on the field playing,” Counsell said. “He just must experience playing baseball. He is at a point where stacking up at-bats and experiences on the bases and in the field will make him a better player. He is just at that stage in his development. This is a question you get at with young players. They are prospects whose player development is not finished. There will be struggles as a part of it.”

For his part, Crow-Armstrong is simply focused on improving and proving himself this spring.

"My confidence has only grown in the offseason," Crow-Armstrong said on Inside the Clubhouse recently. "I did a lot of thinking in the winter about my game. There must be a lot of honesty in yourself. That is how I stay positive and humble. I think I am a confident guy, and I hope people can see that. At the same time, the confidence is only there really if you can back it up on the field. I have done my job in the minor leagues. So now I must prove it at the next level. With that comes more production and more wins for the greater good.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine .