rewrite this title Crow-Armstrong’s contract extension is boom-or-bust deal for Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a new contract extension with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, and we have some numbers on what it is going to look like. 

It is the type of deal that could either be a long-term steal for the Cubs or a highly risky move that backfires.

Cubs making a gamble with Pete Crow-Armstrong’s new deal

According to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Tuesday night, the deal is reportedly a six-year, $115M extension that will begin in 2027 and does not include a club option.

It is a move that is really hard to have an immediate read on because there is such a huge unknown in what Crow-Armstrong is as a player and what he can ultimately be.

He is one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball with tremendous athleticism. No matter what else he does, there is always going to be value in that. He is also still only 24 years old and in theory is not even fully into his prime years yet. There is still untapped potential here. 

But will he realize it?

If he hits like he did in the first half of the 2025 season, he could be an MVP-level player when you add his defense into the mix.