In the world of baseball, trades can be a turning point in a player's career, often sparking motivation or resentment. But for Chicago Cubs' star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, the trade from the New York Mets was simply a step in his journey, not a grudge match.
Drafted 19th overall by the Mets in the 2020 MLB Draft, Crow-Armstrong found himself on the move the following summer. In a two-for-one trade, he was sent to the Cubs, with All-Star infielder Javier Báez and pitcher Trevor Williams heading to New York.
Looking back, the deal didn’t pan out for the Mets as they missed the playoffs. Báez left in free agency after a solid stint, and Williams moved on after a brief role.
Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong blossomed, smashing 31 home runs, stealing 35 bases, and finishing ninth in the NL MVP race last season.
In a recent chat on "The Old Man and the Three" podcast, Crow-Armstrong expressed no hard feelings toward the Mets. Instead, he acknowledged the trade made sense from a value standpoint.
"I had no clue," he admitted about the surprise trade. "Our assistant GM, Jared Banner, pushed for me.
It's probably the best thing that's happened to me."
When host Tommy Alter mentioned Mets fans' disappointment, Crow-Armstrong responded thoughtfully. "Who was supposed to know what I'd become?"
he said. "I played just six professional games.
The Cubs took a big risk. The Mets had a strong roster, and Lindor wanted Báez.
It made their infield formidable. But here we are now."
As the Cubs and Mets gear up for a season where both aim to dethrone the Dodgers as NL champions, Crow-Armstrong's perspective remains refreshingly grounded. While he doesn’t hold a grudge, Mets fans might still lament the one that got away.