Cubs Halt Contract Talks with Pete Crow-Armstrong After $75 Million Proposal

LOS ANGELES – The Chicago Cubs and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong have paused discussions on a contract extension after exchanging proposals without reaching an agreement. Sources briefed on the negotiations told The Athletic the two sides could not find enough common ground to finalize a deal.

Crow-Armstrong, who is currently under team control through the 2030 season, has not yet played a full 162-game major league season. Consequently, neither party felt a pressing urgency to finalize negotiations, as Crow-Armstrong continues to develop his skills at the major league level.

Despite the lack of immediate pressure, discussions were deemed beneficial in laying the groundwork for future negotiations. While the likelihood of reaching a deal appeared low during spring training, the Cubs and Crow-Armstrong’s camp felt it prudent to explore possibilities.

Reports emerged that the proposed contract could be valued at around $75 million, but team and league sources characterized these parameters as inaccurate. Detailed discussions regarding the deal took place coinciding with the start of the season, which began early for the Cubs with their participation in the Tokyo Series.

Crow-Armstrong, currently batting .197 with a .522 OPS and six stolen bases this season, previously showed promise in the minor leagues. His agent, Ryan Hamill, visited the Cubs’ complex in Arizona in March to discuss potential contract terms. Hamill’s agency, Creative Artists Agency, notably facilitated Corbin Carroll’s eight-year, $111 million extension before the 2023 season, highlighting the importance of securing favorable long-term contracts for rising stars.

Crow-Armstrong’s performance, although lacking in offensive statistics compared to contemporaries like Jackson Merrill, showcases his defensive prowess. He recorded 2.3 wins above replacement last season and generated impressive numbers defensively, with 14 Outs Above Average, positioning him as a promising player for the Cubs’ long-term future.

The Cubs also observe parallels in Crow-Armstrong’s potential with fellow center fielder Michael Harris II‘s transition. Harris secured an eight-year, $72 million contract with the Atlanta Braves shortly after his rookie season, illustrating how valuable young talent can negotiate favorable deals.

As Crow-Armstrong continues to mature at the age of 23, both he and the Cubs recognize the necessity of enhancing offensive output. Despite his underwhelming batting average, Crow-Armstrong’s extraordinary fielding skills and base-running speed position him as an asset worth keeping through a possible extension.

Chicago acquired Crow-Armstrong in a trade that sent Javier Báez to the New York Mets, enhancing expectations for his performance as he integrates further into the club’s system. The Cubs are hopeful that an extended negotiation period will yield a deal satisfactory to both parties, aiming to keep Crow-Armstrong in Chicago beyond his current contract control.

Crow-Armstrong’s journey reflects the challenges many young players face as they transition into impactful major leaguers. While both sides have tabled discussions for the time being, the Cubs still have ample opportunity to work toward securing their rising star as a key player in their future lineup.