Monday night brought big news for Cubs fans as Chicago reportedly locked in centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong with a long-term extension. While the exact figures are still under wraps, it’s safe to say the deal surpasses the $75 million offer the Cubs floated last spring. Crow-Armstrong's decision to bet on himself paid off handsomely, as he delivered stellar performances throughout the season.
Crow-Armstrong earned a spot in the All-Star Game, boasting a .265/.302/.544 slash line in the first half. Although his numbers dipped post-All-Star break, he still finished ninth in the NL MVP race and snagged his first Gold Glove Award. This extension underscores the Cubs' commitment to securing their young talent for the future.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds are watching closely. They can't afford to let the Cubs be the only NL Central team locking down their rising stars. While an extension for Elly De La Cruz might be a stretch, Cincinnati has a real shot at securing Matt McLain or Sal Stewart.
The Reds had attempted a similar strategy last spring, offering extensions to both De La Cruz and McLain. Neither deal materialized, especially with De La Cruz represented by the formidable Scott Boras.
But McLain could still be in play. Despite a challenging season with a .220/.300/.343 slash line, McLain showed promise during spring training, prompting the Reds to consider revisiting extension talks.
For Stewart, Crow-Armstrong’s deal is a wake-up call. While the specifics of PCA's negotiations remain a mystery, it's clear that securing market value was a priority.
The Reds should take note, particularly in light of the Boston Red Sox's recent eight-year, $130 million agreement with Roman Anthony. A deal for Stewart somewhere between PCA’s rejected $75 million and Anthony’s $130 million could be the sweet spot-perhaps $102 million over eight years.
Time is of the essence for the Reds. As these contracts grow pricier, Cincinnati must act swiftly to lock in their young talent before the market makes such deals unattainable. Securing McLain or Stewart now could prevent a future financial squeeze for the small-market club.