The Chicago Cubs have shown interest in offering 23-year-old Pete Crow-Armstrong a contract extension, but a leading MLB insider recommends he avoid signing at this stage. Crow-Armstrong is enjoying a breakout season, and experts suggest he wait to maximize his value before committing long-term.
Current Negotiations and Crow-Armstrong’s Rising Profile
According to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney, the Cubs are open to negotiating an in-season contract extension with the young center fielder. Discussions occurred prior to Chicago’s opening series against the Dodgers in Tokyo but were put on hold. Crow-Armstrong has distinguished himself this season, ranking among National League MVP candidates thanks to his Gold Glove-level defense and strong offensive stats, including 14 home runs, 13 doubles, three triples, an .856 OPS, and an NL-leading 3.1 bWAR.
Expert Perspective on Timing for Signing an Extension
The Athletic insider Ken Rosenthal advises Pete Crow-Armstrong to hold off on a new contract, emphasizing the long runway Crow-Armstrong has before reaching free agency after the 2030 season. Rosenthal pointed out that injury risk for position players is generally lower than for pitchers, citing the example of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., who returned successfully after two ACL tears.
“If I’m PCA, I’m not signing anything right now.” —Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider
Rosenthal believes Crow-Armstrong is in the process of establishing himself as an elite player and expects his value to rise with continued strong performance.
“Maybe at some point you sign an extension but I can’t imagine, right now, the Cubs putting forth an offer that would be tempting enough for him to say, ‘You know what? OK, I’ll give up a couple years of free agency and I’ll take my security now.’ No, he’s becoming a star. He is becoming potentially a huge star. And if I’m him, I wait.” —Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider
The Cubs’ Acquisition and What Lies Ahead
The Cubs acquired Crow-Armstrong from the New York Mets at the 2021 trade deadline, trading two-time All-Star Javier Báez and pitcher Trevor Williams in exchange. With his performance this season, Crow-Armstrong has become a central figure for Chicago’s lineup, helping the team maintain first place in the National League.
As the season progresses, the decision to sign a contract extension will weigh heavily on Crow-Armstrong’s future earnings and career trajectory. With expert voices advising patience, the young center fielder’s next move could significantly impact both his financial security and the Cubs’ roster strategy in the coming years.