Cubs Lock Up Pete Crow-Armstrong with Long-Term Contract Extension
MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs have secured a cornerstone for their future, reaching an agreement on a contract extension with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. The deal, finalized Monday and pending a medical review, solidifies Crow-Armstrong’s position as a foundational player at Wrigley Field and avoids potentially distracting in-season negotiations.
The extension represents a significant moment for the 23-year-traditional Crow-Armstrong, who will turn 24 on Wednesday and for a Cubs franchise seeking a star to build around, both on and off the field. The Cubs, a large-market team with a historic ballpark and surrounding real estate interests, see Crow-Armstrong as a key figure in their long-term plans.
Discussions between the Cubs and Crow-Armstrong’s agent, Ryan Hamill of CAA, began around last year’s season-opening Tokyo Series. Whereas proposals were exchanged, both sides amicably agreed to postpone formal contract talks until a later date. This spring, however, presented an ideal opportunity to reconnect and finalize an agreement.
Crow-Armstrong’s performance last season undoubtedly bolstered his negotiating position. He enjoyed an exceptional first half, earning a fan vote into the All-Star Game. Despite a second-half offensive slump, he became the first Cub in franchise history to achieve a 30-30-30 season – 31 home runs, 35 stolen bases, and 37 doubles. His success, coupled with a Gold Glove award at a premium position, reinforced the mutual desire for a long-term partnership.
The timing of the extension is noteworthy. Crow-Armstrong wouldn’t have become eligible for arbitration until next year and wasn’t scheduled to reach free agency until after the 2030 season. However, the Cubs recognized the importance of securing his commitment now, viewing it as a major organizational win, driven by the player’s personal motivations.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer highlighted Crow-Armstrong’s potential for continued growth during last year’s conclude-of-season briefing. He’s still learning, so I expect him to keep getting better and better,”
Hoyer said. It may be gradual. It may come all at once. But I have no question that he’ll continue to gain better. The one thing with Pete that I always focus on is, when he’s not hitting or struggling offensively, he’s a great player. And when he’s hitting, he’s a superstar.”
Crow-Armstrong’s background is steeped in the entertainment industry. His mother, Ashley Crow, is known for her role as the mother in the baseball film “Little Large League,” while his father, Matt Armstrong, transitioned from acting to teaching. This career change resonated with the young Crow-Armstrong, demonstrating the resolve required for significant life decisions.
The Cubs’ interest in Crow-Armstrong dates back to the 2020 draft. An area scout visiting the Crow-Armstrong home noted a framed Sports Illustrated cover featuring Anthony Rizzo celebrating the Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory – a testament to the family’s embrace of the franchise. Matt Armstrong, a native of Naperville, Ill., instilled in his son a deep appreciation for Chicago sports, particularly the Cubs, during the team’s rebuild initiated by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.
Despite the Cubs’ initial interest, they passed on Crow-Armstrong at the No. 16 pick in the COVID-19-disrupted 2021 draft. The New York Mets selected him three picks later, and he initially committed to Vanderbilt University.
Fate intervened at the 2021 trade deadline, a pivotal moment for Hoyer as he stepped into Epstein’s role. As part of a significant sell-off that included trading established stars Javier Báez, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rizzo, Hoyer acquired Crow-Armstrong from the Mets. The Cubs were fortunate that Crow-Armstrong was recovering from shoulder surgery at the time, limiting his playing time and potentially making him less coveted by other teams.
The Cubs’ development team played a crucial role in Crow-Armstrong’s growth. Jared Banner, formerly of the Mets’ farm system, vouched for his skills and character, establishing a foundation of trust. A dedicated group of hitting instructors – Dustin Kelly, John Mallee, Rachel Folden, and Steven Pollakov – refined his swing and helped him manage his emotions. Major-league coaches Willie Harris and Quintin Berry focused on his defensive prowess in center field, while manager Craig Counsell provided guidance and support during his rookie season in 2024, emphasizing defense and allowing him room to learn.
Counsell continued to challenge Crow-Armstrong to improve in all facets of his game. He benefited from the mentorship of veteran teammates such as Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, and Justin Turner, learning from their routines and perspectives.
This collaborative effort culminated in Crow-Armstrong’s selection for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, further elevating his profile and marketing appeal. Within the team, however, he is simply known as Pete
, not PCA
.
Gaze, because of just who Pete is and because of his talents, there’s always going to be very high expectations,”
Counsell said during spring training. That’s the blessing and the curse of being very talented, right? And that’s OK. I think Pete understands that better than we give him credit for, right? He understands that very, very well. And I think he handles it very, very well. So it’s part of it. You’re going to talk about people like that a lot.”
While still developing, Crow-Armstrong’s fiery personality occasionally surfaces, demonstrated by his reactions to unfavorable at-bats. The ultimate goal for the Cubs remains a World Series championship, and this extension ensures that Crow-Armstrong will be a central figure in that pursuit. The deal keeps him in Chicago, the face of a historic franchise, a city he has come to embrace.
I love Chicago more and more,”
Crow-Armstrong told Chicago Magazine in a recent cover story. It’s just an incredible city. The people are great. They give a s—. They aren’t just baseball fans who head to the game like Dodgers fans to grab pictures and whatever. They are paying attention. They care.”