As the 2025 MLB season moves forward, Pete Crow-Armstrong has expressed strong loyalty to the Chicago Cubs, highlighting his pride in being part of the team while signaling that contract extension discussions are unlikely to resume anytime soon. Despite the player’s commitment to the Cubs, factors such as his arbitration eligibility timeline and an impending new collective bargaining agreement suggest that talks could be on hold for several years.
The Cubs, balancing their roster and long-term plans, may also accelerate trades as the July 2025 MLB Draft approaches. Amid these roster maneuvers, Crow-Armstrong’s development and contract situation remain key focal points for the franchise.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Emphasizes Commitment to Chicago Cubs
When asked about his future with the Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed a clear emotional connection to the organization and the city. He emphasized the importance of feeling both competitive and comfortable here, saying he takes great pride in representing Chicago as a Cub. His remarks reflect a desire to stay long-term, though negotiations about an extension appear distant.
“What’s important to me is being somewhere I feel convicted in winning at, where I feeling comfortable playing and living … I absolutely think that Chicago is the place to do that for me. I already take so much pride in being a Cub.” — Pete Crow-Armstrong
The Cubs did initiate extension talks with Crow-Armstrong earlier this year, reportedly offering a contract in the range of $75 million. However, the offer fell short of what might secure a deal, especially given Crow-Armstrong’s expanding skill set and anticipated market value in the coming seasons. Observers suggest that if the Cubs had increased their proposal significantly, potentially upwards of $125 million, Crow-Armstrong might already be locked into a long-term deal.
Crow-Armstrong is not arbitration-eligible until 2027, and with a new collective bargaining agreement expected after the 2026 season—possibly accompanied by a league shutdown or strike—major contract decisions involving him may be postponed. This timeline means Cubs fans and analysts should not expect extension updates in the near future despite the player’s clear commitment.
The Cubs’ Strategy Surrounding Crow-Armstrong’s Contract
Balancing Crow-Armstrong’s contract negotiations is the reality that the Cubs are focusing their immediate extension energy on other players, notably Kyle Tucker, whose current contract expires at the end of the season. Tucker’s contract status has demanded the organization’s full attention, while Crow-Armstrong’s position allows for more patience due to his service time and future arbitration eligibility.
Across the 2025 season, Crow-Armstrong elevated his performance significantly, refreshing his value and creating more negotiating leverage. This progression underscores the financial implications for the Cubs, who face the decision of when and how aggressively to pursue locking in their young talent. While cautious offers align with Crow-Armstrong’s existing production trajectory, tougher decisions about betting on his upside may rise as his price continues climbing.
Additional MLB Trade and Team Rumors Impacting the Cubs’ Future
As MLB trade season intensifies ahead of the 2025 Draft, several rumors and reports across the league may have ripple effects for Chicago’s roster and strategy. The Atlanta Braves face challenges as key pitcher Chris Sale is sidelined with a fractured rib cage, jeopardizing their playoff chances and complicating potential trade value for their roster.
“It’s difficult to imagine the Braves being a playoff team without Chris Sale,” said Ken Rosenthal.
“Right now, it’s not happening for them.”
— Ken Rosenthal
At the same time, the New York Yankees are expected to pursue bullpen enhancements rather than starting pitchers at the upcoming trade deadline, a niche area that overlaps with some Cubs interests but reflects their own roster priorities.
“There probably will not be a ton of great starters out there for them to look at. They need bullpen, and that’s what they are gonna go for.” — Jon Heyman
The Boston Red Sox are also poised to be active buyers, focusing on veteran starting pitchers and first basemen. Mentioned potential targets like Josh Naylor and Ryan O’Hearn highlight strategic fits, though the Cubs remain well set at first base.
“@JonHeyman says the Red Sox will be buyers and are going to look for veteran SP as well as a 1B. Mentions Josh Naylor and Ryan O’Hearn as possibilities.” — Jon Heyman
Interestingly, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have players such as Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Eugenio Suárez, have yet to fully commit to selling. This could present opportunities or challenges for the Cubs depending on how those teams approach trades.
Additionally, Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa remains on the radar of both the Yankees and Giants, though there is little current overlap in Cubs interests beyond shared divisional connections in the National League Central.
The Cardinals’ pitchers Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas, both possessing no-trade clauses, appear unlikely to waive those rights even if St. Louis exits contention, preserving the Cubs’ competitive positioning by limiting potential rivals’ trade options.
Potential Trade Targets and Prospect Interests Involving the Cubs
The Miami Marlins have shown previous interest in Cubs prospect Owen Caissie, especially in relation to trades involving pitcher Sandy Alcantara. Discussions have highlighted Alcantara as a key target for Chicago, while Caissie remains a valuable asset in these negotiations.
“The Marlins have expressed interest in Cubs prospect Owen Caissie previously, as @MattSpiegs noted. ‘I want Sandy Alcantara,’ Spiegel says.
‘And I think the Cubs want Sandy Alcantara.’
I would deal Owen Caissie for Sandy Alcantara. I think that’s the guy to target.” — Matt Spiegs
At the same time, the Chicago White Sox have indicated a willingness to include cash considerations in summer trades, potentially easing negotiation hurdles for acquiring players.
Why Crow-Armstrong’s Extension Talks Are Likely Paused for Now
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s expressed pride and commitment to the Cubs underline the mutual interest in a long-term relationship; however, economic and timeline factors currently limit progress on formal extension discussions. Crow-Armstrong’s enhanced performance opens the door for greater future earnings, while the structural timing imposed by MLB’s collective bargaining process and his arbitration eligibility delay any immediate contract decisions. This pause supports strategic patience for the Cubs as they weigh risk and reward over the next few seasons.
This approach also allows the Cubs to concentrate on more urgent roster management issues, including contracts expiring sooner and trade opportunities before the upcoming draft. The balance between securing young talent and maintaining flexibility in an evolving competitive environment remains delicate, as Chicago navigates a season full of potential moves and league-wide shifts.