The Chicago Cubs have kept the door open for Pete Crow-Armstrong contract extension talks this season, despite initially pausing negotiations earlier in April. Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, stated that negotiating during the season is a possibility, showing a flexible approach as the 23-year-old center fielder continues to impress.
“Not talking during the season, to me, that’s a player-focused thing,”
Hoyer said Tuesday to reporters.
“I’m not playing. I’ve got time to negotiate if they want.”
Factors Influencing Timing of Extension Discussions
Both sides appear cautious about rushing into an extension. From the Cubs’ perspective, Crow-Armstrong remains under club control through the 2030 season, reducing urgency to finalize a long-term deal now given the inherent uncertainty about his health and development. Conversely, the player risks undervaluing his future worth if he agrees to terms prematurely while experiencing a career breakthrough.
Examples such as San Diego Padres prospect Jackson Merrill illustrate this dilemma. Merrill signed a nine-year, $135 million contract extension in April but likely could have commanded a significantly larger deal had he waited until reaching free agency in 2036. This highlights the importance of balancing security with potential upside when negotiating early.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Breakout Season Spurs Extension Interest
Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a rising star for the Cubs in 2024. His combination of impressive defense and strong offensive numbers—including a .290 batting average, 14 home runs, 48 RBIs, 41 runs scored, 14 stolen bases, an .875 OPS, and a 2.9 WAR—demonstrates his five-tool potential. The player is clearly delivering his best performance at the plate this season, making him a prime candidate for a long-term, team-friendly agreement.
Although reports surfaced in early April claiming the Cubs proposed a contract worth around $75 million, Hoyer denied the rumors, noting that the team had not been engaged in recent talks.
“We hadn’t talked in a couple weeks when it leaked out,”
he said.
“In general, it’s just easier to negotiate if it’s not out in the media. People aren’t speculating on numbers and things like that. Even the number that came out about that wasn’t right. The more we can keep things under wraps, the better.”
Player Mental Focus and Media Speculation Affect Negotiation Approach
Hoyer emphasized respect for players’ mental readiness, recognizing that contract talks can distract from on-field performance.
“For a player, if it’s going to mess with their head, if it’s going to distract them or make them feel different, then you shouldn’t do it,”
he explained.
“To me, not negotiating in-season, that’s a player thing. Not specifically a team thing. But I totally respect guys who feel like they don’t want to deal with it in-season, because they feel like it messes with their performance. I get that.”
Crow-Armstrong himself has expressed a preference to remain focused on baseball during the season without distractions from contract matters.
I’m here to play baseball,
he said in April.
“There’s been a general understanding and a general consensus that we’re not going to let it be a distraction throughout this year.”
Outstanding Performance Strengthens Cubs’ Position in Potential Talks
Given Crow-Armstrong’s high-level play and the uncertainty of long-term outcomes, the Cubs are motivated to explore a deal that secures his talents in a cost-effective manner. As he continues to develop as a star, locking him into an extension during this prime season could benefit the organization by ensuring roster stability and managing future payroll expectations.
While the possibility of Pete Crow-Armstrong contract extension talks remains open, the timing and terms will likely depend on balancing the player’s mental focus with the Cubs’ strategic planning in a highly competitive 2024 MLB landscape. The ongoing season provides a dynamic backdrop for negotiations that could shape the team’s core for years to come.