The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a six-year, $115 million contract extension with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, keeping him through the 2032 season. The deal, which is pending a physical and includes potential escalators to $133 million, buys out his first two free-agent years. Crow-Armstrong, turning 24 on Wednesday, follows a breakout 2025 season with 31 home runs and 35 stolen bases.
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong agreed to a six-year, $115 million extension with the team on Tuesday evening, a source told MLB.com. The contract runs from 2027 through 2032 with no options and is pending a physical. Escalators could push its value to $133 million, making it the largest such deal for a player with five years of control remaining, according to the source. ESPN first reported the agreement, which prevents Crow-Armstrong from reaching free agency after the 2030 season as previously scheduled. Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the value of retaining young talent: “Look, young, very talented players, you want them to be in your franchise for a long time.” The 24-year-old, acquired from the New York Mets in the 2021 trade deadline deal that sent Javier Báez to New York, broke out in his first full major league season in 2025. He slashed .247/.287/.481 with 31 home runs, 35 stolen bases, 37 doubles, 95 RBIs and 91 runs scored, becoming the first Cubs player to achieve a 30-30 season with at least 30 doubles. Joining Sammy Sosa as the only 30-30 players in franchise history, Crow-Armstrong earned All-Star honors, Gold Glove defense with 21 outs above average (fourth in MLB), and MVP votes with 5.4 WAR. His defensive highlights included a single-season record 19 five-star catches. Teammate Ian Happ praised his energy: “He’s an electric player... He is everything that the fans want.” New third baseman Alex Bregman added, “He can change a game in so many different ways.” Crow-Armstrong adjusted his stance in 2025, widening his feet from 28.1 inches to 33.7 inches, boosting his pulled fly ball rate to 30.2% and unlocking power. Assistant hitting coach John Mallee attributed a second-half slump to mechanical issues, not chasing pitches. The Cubs, who reached the playoffs with 92 wins in 2025, secured their centerpiece amid upcoming free agencies.
