The Chicago Cubs and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong have reached an agreement on a six-year, $115 million contract extension, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The massive deal, which secures one of the league's premier young defensive talents in Chicago for the long term, is officially set to begin with the 2027 season.
According to sources familiar with the deal, the extension does not include a club option for the final years. This specific contractual structure is significant as it allows Crow-Armstrong to hit the open market as a free agent before his age-31 season, potentially setting him up for another major payday in the future. The 22-year-old outfielder has rapidly ascended to become a foundational piece of the Cubs roster, primarily due to his elite speed and high-end defensive range in center field.
By finalizing this agreement now, the Chicago Cubs front office continues its strategic trend of locking up core young players well before they reach their arbitration-eligible years. This $115 million commitment represents a major vote of confidence in Crow-Armstrong, who was originally acquired by the organization in a 2021 trade deadline deal with the New York Mets. Fans and analysts alike see this as a move to stabilize the Cubs defense and lineup for years to come.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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