The Chicago Cubs and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are reportedly closing in on a long-term contract extension that would lock up one of last season's biggest breakout stars. Crow-Armstrong (born March 25, 2002) turned a 2025 All-Star Game start, a rare 30-home-run and 30-steal season, and a Gold Glove award into serious negotiating leverage. If the deal gets across the finish line, it would keep the young center fielder in Chicago for years to come and give the front office a much clearer picture of its long-term outfield core.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan was the first national reporter to float word of an agreement coming together, and local outlets jumped in quickly. According to FOX 32 Chicago, the two sides are "finalizing an agreement" and have been working on extension talks since spring training.
Proof in the numbers
Crow-Armstrong's leap into stardom gives the Cubs every reason to move fast. He started for the National League in the 2025 All-Star Game and finished the year as one of baseball's standout two-way players. MLB.com chronicled his All-Star showcase and highlight-reel plays, and Major League Baseball's Gold Glove announcement listed Crow-Armstrong among the 2025 defensive award winners. Put that resume together with his 30/30 season, and you get the foundation of the market value now driving these talks.
Earlier offers and roster control
This is not the Cubs' first run at an extension. The team tried to reach a deal last spring, with early reports describing an offer in the low-to-mid double-digit millions. Some outlets cited figures in the mid-$60-to-$75 million range for the structure that was on the table. MLB Trade Rumors reported on those earlier negotiations and notes that Crow-Armstrong remains under club control through the 2030 season. Any new agreement would be expected to buy out his arbitration years and likely tack on team option seasons beyond that window.
Player comments and Chicago ties
Crow-Armstrong has not exactly hidden how much he enjoys the city and the stage that comes with playing at Wrigley. While speaking to reporters in Arizona, he said, "I think that we both plan on, and hope, that we will be in Chicago for a long time," a line that quickly surfaced in local coverage. FOX 32 Chicago also highlighted his public embrace of the city, including his appearances at Blackhawks and Bulls games, as part of the reason both sides appear to see a long-term fit.
What comes next
So far, neither the Cubs nor Crow-Armstrong's representatives have issued a formal statement, and specifics on contract length, guarantees, and option language remain unconfirmed. Crow-Armstrong has described the extension talks as "ongoing" and has noted that there are still bigger baseball priorities this spring, according to team-focused reporting. That leaves the timing of an official announcement somewhat flexible, whether it lands quickly or gets synced with the club's broader roster calendar. For now, fans can expect more details as the sides work through the final steps and the Cubs turn their attention toward the 2026 season.
