Chicago Cubs Hitters of the Month, July 2026: MVPete Is Here

[Brian Kelder]

Image courtesy of © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs had a strong month of July, much of which was thanks to a terrific effort on a nightly basis from the lineup. Nearly everyone contributed something to the cause, positioning the team to be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline.

Certain players flashed brighter than others, though, and they will be hereby bestowed the honor of our Cubs Hitter of the Month for July.

Ranking Cubs' Best Hitters in July

3rd: Pedro Ramirez

.386/.440/.545, 168 wRC+, 6 XBH, 8 RBIs, 2 SB

Ramirez has made himself quite the valuable bench player so far. He’s been able to play defensively at second and third, giving the regulars DH days as he mans their positions. At the plate, he’s been outstanding over the past month as well.

Trade season has come and gone, yet Ramirez remains. We should expect some regression; a .447 BABIP is unsustainable, and his lack of over-the-fence power holds him back. However, he does deserve a highlight for his value and ability to thrive in a part-time role. This type of player off the bench has been sorely missed in recent years. 

2nd Place: Seiya Suzuki

.275/.389/.549, 13 XBH, 21 RBIs, 1 SB

When he remains healthy, Suzuki can have extended stretches of over .900 OPS baseball. This past month was one of those stretches. Craig Counsell follows the new-ish conventional reasoning that your top hitters are in the 1-2 spots in the order, and Suzuki has been trusted to fill the second spot. 

He may be pricing himself out of Chicago this offseason, or at least securing a hefty payday. Along with his offense, check out the advanced defensive metrics:

+6 Fielding Run Value
+4 Outs Above Average
+11 Defensive Runs Saved
+3 Arm Value

He took last years’ DH role personally and has been a solid all-around player. As always, consistency will be important for the team as we move through the last third of the season.

1st Place: Pete Crow-Armstrong

.278/.400/.611, 16 XBH, 17 RBIs, 6 SB

Not much more to say about the MVP favorite, but what’s with all these walks? 16 in a month? Pitchers have tried to get him to expand his zone, and Crow-Armstrong refuses to give in. This is often a final step in an elite player's evolution.

He's already the best defender in the league, and one of its best baserunners. If the offensive gains he's made are legit, then forget about it. This guy is going to be a perennial MVP candidate for years to come.

The game has slowed down for Crow-Armstrong this summer, and don’t look for it to speed back up. This is his Mike Trout season, and the Cubs got a steal on his extension. Enjoy this guy for the next five seasons; he’s a unique and special player.

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