Pete Crow-Armstrong's $115M contract already turning into a steal for Cubs

When the Chicago Cubs signed centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to a six-year, $115 million contract extension back in March, it looked like a boom-or-bust contract.

There was a lot to like about his game, including his power and Gold Glove-caliber defense at one of the most important positions on the field. 

But the contract, and the success of it, was ultimately going to be defined by his ability to continue to grow as a hitter. 

Would he continue to be an all-or-nothing hitter who slugged 25-30 home runs but struggled to get on base? Or would he take big strides and become a more complete hitter and player?

So far, Crow-Armstrong is emphatically answering that question.

He's taken the strides and not only looks like a potential National League MVP, but his contract is starting to look like a steal for the Cubs.

Pete Crow-Armstrong contract already look like steal for Chicago Cubs

Crow-Armstrong had another massive game for the Cubs on Wednesday afternoon, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and four runs driven in as part of their 7-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

That gives him 26 home runs for the season, while also raising his OPS to .938.

Those numbers alone are All-Star-worthy and would put any player into the MVP discussion.

When you add that to the plus-glove he is in centerfield, he entered the day on Wednesday with a 7.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), leading all National League players. 

The defense is still great. 

The power is still there, and it continues to grow.

But the biggest difference this season, and by far the most encouraging development for the Cubs, is that Armstrong has become a far more complete hitter, both overall and against left-handed pitching.

During his first two full years in the league, Crow-Armstrong had on-base percentages of only .286 and .287. Those were among the worst, and lowest on-base rates for any everyday position player in the league. Almost all of his offensive value was tied to his ability to hit the ball out of the park. 

And while that is important — and there is a value to that — you still want to see more on-base ability and more consistency from a $100 million-plus player.

He is delivering on that.

Crow-Armstrong's on-base percentage this season is up to .386, a 100-point jump from his first two full seasons, while the power is still growing. It has made him one of the most complete and feared hitters in baseball.

The other big improvement: He is starting to mash left-handed pitching,

He entered Wednesday's game with an .864 OPS against lefties, after posting only a .594 mark against lefties a year ago and just .597 the year before. 

His two home runs on Wednesday came against Dodgers lefty Eric Lauer. 

If the Cubs had waited another year or two before trying to sign him to a long-term deal, they would have paid significantly more. They rolled the dice on a talented young player putting everything together, and now they are being rewarded for it. It is starting to look like it might end up being one of the bigger steals in baseball.