Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs Reportedly Agree to $115M Contract Extension, Updated Payroll

After reports that Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Chicago Cubs had agreed to a long-term deal on Monday, the details of his new contract were revealed on Tuesday.

Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the star outfielder signed a six-year, $115 million extension that begins in 2027. The deal does not include a club option, and Crow-Armstrong will enter free agency ahead of his age-31 season.

Crow-Armstrong, still just 23 years old, has quickly established himself as a rising star and a key part of the Cubs future. After making his debut in 2023, he recorded 10 home runs, 47 RBI, 27 stolen bases and a .237 batting average in 2024.

Crow-Armstrong reached a new level in 2025, picking up 31 homers, 95 RBI and 35 stolen bases while slashing .247/.287/.481. The speedy center fielder was also one of the best defensive players at his position, 15 defensive runs saved above average in the outfield, per FanGraphs.

His breakout season helped the Cubs finish the year 92-70 to make the postseason for the first time since 2020. Chicago also won its first playoff series since 2017.

Crow-Armstrong would have been arbitration eligible through the 2030 campaign had he not signed a deal, but Chicago opted to go ahead and commit to its franchise cornerstone much earlier than it needed to.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Cubs were ready to commit to Crow-Armstrong last season, offering him $66 million. Ultimately, the decision to wait for a bigger deal paid off following his career season.

The Cubs have struggled to find much success since their World Series run in 2016, but it's hard not to think the 2026 campaign could be the year Chicago makes another deep run.

With Crow-Armstrong likely set to make another jump in his fourth season, plus the addition of Alex Bregman in free agency, the Cubs will be a team to watch this year.