Pete Crow-Armstrong Says Extension Talks Ongoing, ‘Bigger Fish to Fry Right Now’

The 2025 season saw Pete Crow-Armstrong go from being the top prospect in the Cubs’ farm system to establishing himself as an elite center fielder. Everyone wanted to watch PCA electrify the ballpark with exciting plays on both sides of the field. One minute he’d be making a highlight-reel catch to showcase his unparalleled defense, and the next he’d hit a towering home run that would send the fans into hysterics.

Crow-Armstrong earned 5.4 fWAR during the 2025 campaign, becoming the first Cub with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season since Sammy Sosa. He had a 109 wRC+ and won his first career Gold Glove Award. In other words, he was a walking highlight reel. It felt like a new crazy play happened every night.

Over the last few years, the baseball world has seen teams extending their young talent far earlier than in the past. Players used to have to prove themselves before receiving a large paycheck, but that’s not necessarily the case anymore. Ronald Acuna Jr., Corbin Carroll, and Jackson Merrill were all 22 years old or younger when they signed big extensions. Acuna Jr. got $100 million for eight years, Carroll got $111 million for the same duration, and Merrill signed for $135 million over nine years.

The Athletics and Braves have been particularly aggressive when it comes to extending talent rather early. Oakland Sacramento/Las Vegas has young stars Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, Lawrence Butler, and Brent Rooker under contract for the foreseeable future. Atlanta likewise has a significant portion of its roster under control beyond what otherwise would have been rookie deals, and at prices that should look very reasonable over time.

The Cubs, meanwhile, haven’t signed anyone of that caliber to a long-term deal. They’ve worked out some extensions here and there, sure, just nothing approaching nine figures. But with Crow-Armstrong looking like the kind of player who may be able to command a massive salary once he reaches free agency, the calculus may be changing.

In April of last year, a report came out that the Cubs had tried to extend PCA on a very team-friendly deal, perhaps arguing that his slow start made the guaranteed money a smart option. The two sides didn’t reach a deal, and Crow-Armstrong proceeded to post a 175 wRC+ with 10 home runs in the month that followed. The budding star told the media that an extension is something “I’d absolutely love to do,” but that he didn’t want it to become a distraction during the season.

The Cubs are a rather quiet organization when it comes to happenings in the front office. Trade rumors are scarce during the offseason, with extension rumors even quieter. However, Crow-Armstrong has referenced ongoing contract discussions at least twice here lately. The most recent mention came during a Wednesday appearanece on Foul Territory.

“What I just appreciate about our front office is they know what I’m here to do,” Crow-Armstrong said. “They know what I’m here to do. It hasn’t been such a huge topic of conversation to distract from the everyday…Yes, there have been talks, there will be talks.

“But, at the same time, we’re not really in any rush to do anything. And I’d like to keep it that way because I’m going to go out and play regardless. There’s bigger fish to fry right now than getting me paid.”

Pete Crow-Armstrong says extension talks with the Cubs have happened and will continue to occur, but the two sides are in no rush.

“I’d like to keep it that way because I’m going to go out and play regardless. There’s bigger fish to fry right now than getting me paid.” pic.twitter.com/Zc5go6vRWU

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 25, 2026

That followed his comments in a cover story for Chicago Magazine written by Wayne Drehs. I implore you all to check out the piece, which includes a plethora of fantastic quotes from PCA, along with a fun photoshoot. While his comments about Dodgers fans may have ignited a bit of a row on social media, it was his transparent admission about ongoing extension talks that spurred chatter among Cubs fans.

“I’ve made it clear that I want to be here for as long as they want me,” Crow-Armstrong said. “I want what’s best for the team. I’m cool with being under team control and being here. League minimim ain’t too fucking bad…

“I play the game because I like beating other people. The money will be life-changing regardless. I would like to get a fair deal so I don’t fuck the market up. I want to look out for the other center fielders who have to go through the same process. Which is why I’m glad [Cubs management] and my agents are figuring out how to do this.”

That talk about not being in a rush and being comfortable with a reasonable deal isn’t just lip service, as Crow-Armstrong has clearly embedded himself into the fabric of his new hometown. He’s not just talking about it, he’s living it. Crow-Armstrong went to several Bears games, including both playoff games, as he continues to embrace the Chicago.

He also apparently became best friends with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, with whom he attended Blackhawks and Bulls games. PCA told reporters at the beginning of spring training that both he and Williams “plan on and hope to be in Chicago for a long time.” He also mentioned becoming friends with Blackhawks center Connor Bedard and Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, both of whom are even younger than the precocious Cub.

That’s quite a sports core for one city, especially with the White Sox also featuring promising young players like Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel. They’ve all got a lot more to prove before they can be mentioned in the breath as some of the city’s true icons, but the early vibes are there for a revival of the 80s and 90s with Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, and Ryne Sandberg.

Crow-Armstrong inking a deal to stick around beyond the expiration of his rookie deal in 2030 would be a start. His skillset provides a lot of upside and a rather high floor, as his defense will make him an extremely valuable player even if the offense isn’t quite as good as what we saw from him in the first half of last season. That type of talent doesn’t come around often, nor does this type of character, which is why it would be wise for the Cubs to sign him long-term before the price tag rises further.

Players often prefer to work out extensions before the season begins in order to avoid any distractions, something PCA has noted. Nico Hoerner signed his current deal shortly before Opening Day in 2023, with Ian Happ’s new deal following a few weeks after. That was three years ago, and the two stalwarts are now both on expiring contracts. With just four weeks left until Opening Day at Wrigley Field, we can expect talks to continue with these and other extension candidates.

Whether or not the Cubs and Crow-Armstrong get something worked out this spring, you can guarantee he’ll put on a show as he plays with reckless abandon and boundless energy.