Chicago Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong extension teaches inspiring “bet on yourself” lesson

The Chicago Cubs have many bright young stars on their roster. Perhaps none of them are as bright, though, as center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Last year, he became the first Cubs player since Sammy Sosa to have a 30-home run and 3-stolen base season.

He is also under club control until 2031 and not arbitration eligible until 2027. But with so much uncertain regarding whether or not there will even be a season in 2027, and not knowing what the salary cap will be (if there is a harder one placed on teams, eventually), Chicago wanted to make sure they can retain their star for the long haul.

Pete Crow-Armstrong turned down a contract extension in 2025

Last night, news was buzzing that Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs are finalizing a lucrative long-term extension. While the details have not yet been announced, it is assumed that it will be worth well over $100 million. He will probably be the second-highest paid player on the team behind Alex Bregman.

This is, of course, well-deserved, but also a lesson in the benefit of betting on one’s self. According to Mark Feinsand, the Cubs approached their star center fielder about a contract extension last year:

Last April, the Cubs approached Crow-Armstrong about a long-term extension that would have maxed out ~$75 million if all option years had been exercised.

The deal the two sides are closing in on should be worth far more after PCA’s 6.0-WAR, All-Star & Gold Glove 2025 season.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 24, 2026

As one can see from the post above, the offer Chicago made to Crow-Armstrong was worth $66 million and maxed out at $75 million, though the length of the proposed contract was not given.

Of course, he turned it down.

PCA went on to hit .247/.287/.481 with 31 home runs, 95 RBI, and 35 stolen bases last season. He won the Gold Glove in center field and was named a National League All-Star.

Clearly, the Cubs think that this is just the beginning for PCA and want to keep him around beyond his arbitration years.

Now they will, and he is cashing in.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs option top outfield prospects to Iowa
• Cubs finalizing a massive extension with Pete Crow-Armstrong
• Cubs 2026 Opening Day starting rotation appears set

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