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Cubs’ seemingly imminent contract extension should concern Chicago fans

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Dec 31, 2025 8:34 PM ET

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong finally broke out this past season, smashing 31 home runs while playing otherworldly defense en route to his first All-Star appearance and a Gold Glove.

With Crow-Armstrong preparing to enter his third full big-league campaign, a contract extension seems almost imminent, especially considering the Cubs attempted to extend him last year but were turned down because the former top prospect decided to bet on himself.

It proved to be a wise decision for Crow-Armstrong, who significantly increased his value after a very disappointing rookie campaign in 2024.

The general consensus is that Chicago will revisit extension talks with the 23-year-old soon, and it could happen as promptly as spring training. But would the Cubs be making a mistake to lock up Crow-Armstrong at this point?

Chicago Cubs are facing serious risk with a Pete Crow-Armstrong extension

Oct 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

We know that Crow-Armstrong plays brilliant defense. He is one of the best outfielders in baseball, registering a plus-15 DRS and plus-21 OAA in 2025. But what about his offense?

Yes, the former New York Mets prospect — who was traded to Chicago in the deal that sent Javier Baez to the Mets back in 2021 — flashed serious power and drove in 95 runs this past year, but his .247/.281/.481 slash line was mostly uninspiring.

Outside of the power numbers, Crow-Armstrong showed serious deficiencies at the plate, and it should also be noted that his power absolutely plummeted during the second half of the season when he posted a .372 SLG.

What’s odd about the Sherman Oaks, Ca. native is that he posted a decent walk rate in the minor leagues, getting on base at a .368 clip. But it should also be noted that Crow-Armstrong managed just a .299 OBP in 26 games at Triple-A Iowa in 2024.

Crow-Armstrong is definitely a free swinger, having totaled 155 strikeouts and just 29 walks this past season. Those are very concerning signs for a young hitter, and he also fanned 12 times in 29 playoff plate appearances in 2025 (while posting a .399 OPS).

There should be no rush to extend Pete Crow-Armstrong

Aug 30, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a single during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

So why the rush to extend him?

Crow-Armstrong is under team control through 2030. I understand the temptation to buy out his arbitration years now, but what if the Cubs hand him a massive contract only to watch him fall flat in 2026? He was far too inconsistent in 2025 to merit a lucrative long-term contract just yet.

The youngster definitely provides value based on his defense alone, but Chicago wouldn’t just be paying him for defense. He turned down $90 million before last season. Crow-Armstrong is looking to get paid, and he simply has not shown enough at the dish just yet to warrant such an expensive deal.

Cubs fans definitely grew to like Crow-Armstrong over the last nine months, but there should be considerable trepidation about their team potentially handing the former first-round pick an enormous contract extension before next season even begins.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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