Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs Reportedly Discussed $75M Contract Extension, Talks Stalled
The Chicago Cubs and outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong reportedly failed to come to terms on a contract extension during recent talks.
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Cubs approached Crow-Armstrong about a deal worth up to $75 million, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.
Feinsand added that the contract could have maxed out at $75 million if all options were exercised, but it would not have been worth $75 million guaranteed.
Crow-Armstrong, 23, is in the midst of his third Major League season with the Cubs, following a trade from the New York Mets to Chicago in 2021 while he was still a prospect.
Originally the No. 19 overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft, Crow-Armstrong has worked his way up through the ranks to the point that he is now an every-day player at the MLB level.
After appearing in just 13 games in 2023, Crow-Armstrong played 123 games for the Cubs last season, slashing .237/.286/.384 with 10 home runs, 47 RBI, 46 runs scored and 27 stolen bases on 30 attempts.
The speedy and athletic center fielder had played in all 16 games for the Cubs this season entering Saturday's slate, slashing .200/.273/.250 with no homers, five RBI, 10 runs and six steals on six attempts.
Crow-Armstrong is a dangerous player on the bases, but getting on base has been his biggest issue during his young career.
His career OBP of .280 is far too low, although Crow-Armstrong's minor league numbers suggest he has the ability to improve.
In 240 career minor-league games, Crow-Armstrong has a .296 batting average and .368 on-base percentage with 81 stolen bases.
If Crow-Armstrong can get his averages anywhere close to that in the big leagues, he could be a top-of-the-order hitter for many years to come.
In recent years, it has become commonplace for MLB teams to sign their young, budding stars to long-term contracts despite a lack of experience at the big-league level.
The Milwaukee Brewers signed outfielder Jackson Chourio to an eight-year, $82 million deal last year before he even made his debut in the majors.
Earlier this month, the Boston Red Sox signed second baseman and outfielder Kristian Campbell to an eight-year, $60 million deal just a few games into his MLB career.
The San Diego Padres also signed outfielder Jackson Merrill to a nine-year, $135 million extension this month on the heels of a rookie season that saw him finish second in National League Rookie of the Year voting and make the All-Star team.
There is inherent risk involved with signing a player so early in his career, but it can be argued that the reward far outweighs the risk since they could become an incredible value if they perform and develop as hoped.
The Cubs were seemingly trying to do something similar with Crow-Armstrong, and while it hasn't yet come to fruition, that doesn't mean they can't return to the negotiating table in the future.
