Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong Announces Career News Amid MLB Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 14, 2026 2:10 PM ET

Pete Crow-Armstrong is looking to help the Chicago Cubs return to the MLB playoffs for a second straight year in 2026, but the start of his season has not gone as planned.

The 24-year-old center fielder signed a long-term six-year, $115 million extension this past offseason, keeping him with the Cubs through the 2032 season. With that contract came expectations, and so far he has struggled to meet them at the plate.

Through his first 16 games, Crow-Armstrong owns a .203 batting average, .239 on-base percentage, .504 OPS, one home run and five RBIs. He has still provided value defensively and on the bases with four steals, but the Cubs need more from him offensively.

Chicago enters Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies at 7-9 and sitting in last place in the National League Central, adding urgency for their young superstar to get going.

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) © Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Even with the slow start, Crow-Armstrong continues to grow his presence off the field. On Tuesday, he officially announced a new partnership with New Balance.

The brand has a major footprint in baseball, producing cleats, turf shoes and apparel, and its MLB roster includes Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor.

Crow-Armstrong now becomes Chicago’s representative. He made the announcement in a collaborated post with the company. “Next up: PCA. Welcome to the New Balance family, @petecrowarmstrong,” the caption read.

For Crow-Armstrong, joining New Balance signals his rising profile as one of the sport’s young faces. It also reflects the confidence brands have in his long-term potential, even as he works through early-season struggles. The Cubs hope that confidence translates back onto the field as he settles in and finds his swing.

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Crow-Armstrong has spent his entire four-year MLB career with the Cubs, though he was originally a first-round pick by the New York Mets in 2020.

He was traded to Chicago at the 2021 deadline in the deal for Javier Baez. Last season, he broke out with his first All-Star selection, a Gold Glove Award and a ninth-place finish in National League MVP voting.

Now, as he adds a major endorsement to his resume, the Cubs will look for him to regain that 2025 form and help lift the team back into contention.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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