Source: NBC 5 Chicago

Pete Crow-Armstrong: Rising Star with a Contract Dilemma

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is fast becoming a phenomenon on the North Side, capturing the hearts of fans and the attention of the media. His performance has been noteworthy, yet discussions around his contract have generated significant buzz this season.

The Buzz Around His Contract

Since being traded to the Cubs from the Javier Baez trade in 2021, Crow-Armstrong has made quite an impact. As of mid-May 2025, he boasts an impressive season, with 11 home runs and 30 RBIs, alongside 13 stolen bases. However, his refusal to sign a reported $75 million contract extension earlier this year has stirred up a discussion about his future with the team.

Interview Insights: His Focus on the Game

When Pete Crow-Armstrong was asked about the contract talks during his interview with NBC Chicago’s Kacy Standohar, he responded with appreciation but emphasized his dedication to the game. He stated, “It was a huge honor and compliment to have anything like that thrown your way, and a lot of those deals never get done. I’m here to play baseball and win ballgames.” This highlights his commitment to performance over personal financial gain.

For Crow-Armstrong, building trust with his teammates is paramount. He mentioned, “I just want to keep gaining my teammates’ trust, and Counsell’s, for that matter.” His focus remains on contributing to the team’s success, which is clear from his statistics. Currently, he’s slashing .267/.307/.545 this season, showing marked improvement from the previous year.

Teammate Support: A Collective Effort

Crow-Armstrong credits his success to the supportive atmosphere fostered by his teammates. “Everybody’s kind of been there to put their hand on my shoulder and be like ‘yo, you’re okay,’” he said, reflecting on the importance of camaraderie in a high-pressure environment.

He specifically commended his fellow teammate Justin Turner, who was instrumental in a recent game against the Miami Marlins, delivering the game-winning RBI double. Crow-Armstrong, who shares a hometown with Turner, expressed admiration: “He’s great. Not to date him, I grew up watching him, and he’s such a big part… We got in contact last season and then he signed with us, and that was about the coolest thing that could have happened.”

Goals for the Future

Pete Crow-Armstrong has ambitious goals for the Cubs as they aim for a return to the postseason and contend for the World Series title. After a slow start last season, his recent performances suggest he’s on an upward trajectory in 2025.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Crow-Armstrong as he continues to develop not just as an individual player but as a vital component of the Cubs roster. His dedication to the game and refusal to be distracted by financial negotiations present a focused athlete poised for a bright future.

With upcoming important series against rivals like the Chicago White Sox, fans are eager to see how Crow-Armstrong continues to evolve as a player and what impact he will have in those games.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs, MLB, Justin Turner, Baseball News, Contract Extension, MLB Players, Sports Interviews, Chicago Sports, Upcoming Series