Cubs Finalizing Long-Term Extension With Pete Crow-Armstrong

Cubs Finalizing Long-Term Extension With Pete Crow-Armstrong

This is a significant move for Chicago.

With Opening Day fast approaching, the Chicago Cubs have given their fans something to celebrate with recent news. According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Cubs are close to finalizing a long-term contract extension with star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. The deal is not yet official, and details about the salary have not been disclosed.

Crow-Armstrong was originally acquired from the New York Mets in 2021 in a trade for star Javier Báez, and over the past two seasons, he’s emerged as a key player for the Cubs.

Crow-Armstrong’s Impressive Performance

In his first full season, Crow-Armstrong impressed with his speed and defense, stealing 27 bases out of 30 attempts and excelling in center field. In his second full season, he further solidified his value, posting six WAR, 31 home runs, 95 RBIs, 35 stolen bases, and 37 doubles. His stellar play earned him a Gold Glove, as he led the National League in Outs Above Average with 24, and he finished ninth in the NL MVP voting.

Though he struggled in seven games during the 2026 Spring Training (hitting .111), Crow-Armstrong had a strong showing with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He hit .263, including two clutch home runs against Italy in group play.

Though Crow-Armstrong was originally set to reach free agency in 2031, this extension will likely keep him with the Cubs well beyond that.

Cubs’ Recent Moves

This extension is part of a larger spending strategy by the Cubs. This winter, the team signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract. Additionally, the Cubs traded top outfield prospect Owen Caissie to the Miami Marlins in exchange for controllable starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, who won’t hit free agency until 2029.

These moves signal that the Cubs are all-in on securing their future, and the current state of the National League Central gives them plenty of reason to be optimistic.

While the Milwaukee Brewers had the most wins in the National League last season, they are expected to regress after trading their ace, Freddy Peralta. The Cincinnati Reds are still working to build up their lineup, and their ace, Hunter Greene, is expected to be sidelined until July. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates are both rebuilding, finishing the 2025 season with fewer than 80 wins.

Given these circumstances, Cubs fans are excited that Crow-Armstrong and Bregman could help lead the team to dominance in the division for years to come.