Cubs Lock Down Star Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong with Long-Term Extension
The Chicago Cubs have made a splash in the National League Central by finalizing a long-term contract extension with their standout center fielder, Pete Crow-Armstrong. This move secures one of last season's breakout stars, who not only snagged a Gold Glove but also became the first Cub in three decades to achieve a 30-30 season.
At just 24, Crow-Armstrong has already established himself as the premier defensive center fielder in the league. His impressive performance last season, both in the field and at the plate, has clearly motivated the Cubs to lock him in for the long haul.
While the specifics of the contract remain under wraps, it's anticipated to be a hefty multi-year deal, reflecting Crow-Armstrong's value to the team. The Cubs had attempted to secure an extension with him last spring, but the deal didn't materialize until now. His stellar 2025 season, highlighted by a .247/.287/.481 slash line, 31 home runs, and 95 RBIs over 157 games, made this extension a no-brainer.
Despite an impressive 118 OPS+, there's room for growth, particularly in plate discipline, as evidenced by his 24.0 percent strikeout rate last season. However, with his talent and work ethic, improvements are certainly within reach.
This extension comes at a significant time, just days before the MLB season kicks off and right before Crow-Armstrong's 24th birthday. Last season, he played a pivotal role in leading the Cubs to the postseason, though they were ultimately ousted by the Brewers in the NL Divisional Series.
With Crow-Armstrong secured, the Cubs are sending a clear message to their NL Central rivals: they're serious about building a competitive team around their young star. Fans can look forward to seeing how this dynamic player continues to evolve and impact the game in the seasons to come.