In the midst of the recent buzz between Pete Crow-Armstrong and Dodgers fans, a significant development might have slipped under the radar: the talented center fielder is in talks with the Cubs about a contract extension. Crow-Armstrong, who snagged the NL Gold Glove, has openly shared his desire to stay in Chicago, expressing his love for the fans and the city.
When asked about these talks on Foul Territory, Crow-Armstrong confirmed, “Yes, there will be talks. There have been talks, but at the same time we’re not in really any rush to do anything.
I’d like to keep it that way just because I’m going to go out and play regardless and enjoy myself while I do. There’s bigger fish to fry right now than getting me paid.”
The Cubs initially approached him with an extension offer before the 2025 season. Reports varied on the deal’s value, with estimates ranging from $75 million to $90 million.
In 2025, Crow-Armstrong led the Cubs with a 5.4 fWAR, secured a Gold Glove, and achieved the franchise’s first 30/30 season since the mid-90s. So, what might an extension look like to keep him a Cub for life?
Drawing comparisons from recent mega deals, like Julio Rodriguez’s extension with the Mariners, we see a complex structure. Rodriguez’s deal, initially reported as worth up to $470 million, includes various incentives based on MVP finishes. Meanwhile, Bobby Witt Jr.’s 11-year, $288.5 million extension with the Royals includes opt-outs and team options, potentially maxing out at $377 million over 14 years.
Crow-Armstrong, entering his second full season with the Cubs, posted similar fWAR numbers to Witt Jr. in their early careers. Here’s a quick comparison:
**Bobby Witt Jr. **
- Year 1: 150 games, 20 HR, 30 SB, 98 wRC+, 2.3 fWAR
- Year 2: 158 games, 30 HR, 49 SB, 116 wRC+, 5.9 fWAR
Pete Crow-Armstrong
- Year 1: 123 games, 10 HR, 27 SB, 86 wRC+, 2.6 fWAR
- Year 2: 157 games, 31 HR, 35 SB, 109 wRC+, 5.4 fWAR
A potential extension for Crow-Armstrong could mirror these deals, perhaps an 11-year, $240 million contract, with $130 million guaranteed through 2032. This structure would cover his arbitration years and early free-agent years, with incentives boosting the annual value. The Cubs could also include team options to extend the deal further, aiming for a max value near $400 million over 14 or 15 years.
Regardless of when or if an extension is finalized, having Crow-Armstrong on the Cubs is a win. His passion for the game and drive to win are undeniable.
As he put it in Chicago Magazine, “I saw what bringing playoff baseball back to the city meant. That’s an easy, immovable goal.
The [heck] are you playing for if you’re not trying to play in the playoffs and win the World Series? There’s more to life than baseball, but maybe not for me right now.
This [stuff] is my life.”