Pete Crow-Armstrong — or “PCA” as he’s affectionately known around Wrigley Field — has been one of the most exciting players in baseball this season. At just 23 years old, Cubs Insider Reveals ,he’s not only holding down center field for the rebuilding Chicago Cubs but doing it like an MVP candidate.
So far this year, PCA is slashing .281/.319/.562 with 15 home runs , 15 doubles , and an MLB-leading 21 stolen bases . His all-around game has earned him a spot among the league’s rising stars, and his 3.8 bWAR leads the National League — putting him firmly on the map.
Could a Contract Extension Be on the Horizon?
With his performance peaking, the question naturally turns to whether the Cubs can get a long-term deal done before he hits free agency after the 2030 season.
And they’re not alone — teams across the league have started locking up their young stars early. Just look at:
- Jackson Merrill (Padres): 9 years ,$135 million
- Jackson Chourio (Brewers): 8 years
- $82 million (before even playing a MLB game)
- Kristian Campbell (Red Sox): 8 years, $60 million
- Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks): 8 years, $111 million
- Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals): 11 years
- $288.8 million
These aren’t just big contracts — they’re franchise-altering deals that show how quickly teams are willing to commit to young talent.
The Cubs still have time — Crow-Armstrong isn’t arbitration eligible until 2028 — but if they want to avoid a bidding war in free agency, getting something done sooner rather than later makes sense.
What Kind of Deal Are We Talking About?
ESPN Cubs insider Jesse Rogers recently weighed in on what kind of contract Crow-Armstrong could command if the two sides decide to negotiate.
“It’s not $300 million. It’s not $200 million,” Rogers told Sportsnaut’s Scott Gulbransen. “But somewhere between $110 million and $150 million feels realistic.”
That puts him in the same ballpark as recent extensions from stars like Corbin Carroll and Jackson Chourio — which would be a massive vote of confidence from the Cubs.
Rogers also noted that PCA is starting to earn comparisons to those top-tier talents:
“He’s entering that Witt/Carroll/Chourio territory. The team is probably still wrapping their heads around whether he’s truly in that group… but most people around the league would say yes.”
So What’s the Magic Number?
While there’s no official number being reported by the front office, insiders suggest that the Cubs are likely watching one stat more closely than any other: bWAR (Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement) .
Crow-Armstrong currently leads the NL with a 3.8 bWAR , and if he can maintain that level of production through the All-Star break and into the second half, the Cubs may feel more comfortable pulling the trigger on a long-term extension.
In short: staying healthy, continuing to hit for power, and keeping his elite-level defense in center will go a long way toward sealing the deal.
A Win-Win for Both Sides
Whether or not a deal gets done this summer, one thing is clear — Pete Crow-Armstrong is here to stay in Chicago. He’s become a fan favorite and a foundational piece of the rebuild.
If he keeps this pace up, though, the price tag will only go up — making this the perfect time for the Cubs to consider locking him in long-term.
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