Cubs must act quickly to sign rising superstar for under $100 million, says insider
Context:
With the Chicago Cubs focusing on potential contract extensions, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong emerges as a significant candidate alongside Kyle Tucker. Crow-Armstrong, in his second full season, has impressed with his performance, boasting a .867 OPS and nine home runs in 35 games, making a strong case for a long-term deal. Jon Heyman of the New York Post suggests the Cubs could secure Crow-Armstrong for $100 million or less, a bargain given his potential future value. This extension would not only secure his on-field contributions but also enhance the Cubs' marketing appeal. However, the challenge remains in aligning the team's offer with Crow-Armstrong's and his agent's valuation of his worth.
Dive Deeper:
Pete Crow-Armstrong, a promising center fielder for the Chicago Cubs, is being considered for a contract extension, especially given his standout performance in his second full major league season.
In 35 games this season, Crow-Armstrong has achieved a .867 OPS and hit nine home runs, contributing to a 2.0 bWAR, demonstrating his potential to be a perennial All-Star.
Jon Heyman from the New York Post has urged the Cubs to act quickly and sign Crow-Armstrong for $100 million or less, which is considered a good deal in today's market.
Crow-Armstrong's potential long-term value extends beyond his current performance, as he could offer significant marketing appeal and on-field success for the Cubs.
Despite the apparent benefits of securing Crow-Armstrong, the negotiation hinges on how he and his agent perceive his market value, which could complicate the extension talks.
Extension talk is becoming all the rage in Chicago Cubs circles.
Most of the focus coming into the season, and deservedly so, was on trade acquisition and impending free agent Kyle Tucker. Tucker has been everything he was promised in Chicago so far, and he'll make a boatload of money whether it's from the Cubs via extension or someone else in free agency.
However, the man who plays to Tucker's right every day is also becoming a big-name extension candidate.
Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is flourishing in his second full big-league season, and the question is how much it will take for the Cubs to lock him in long-term. And one baseball insider believes there's a threshold at which a deal can be done.
On Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post urged the Cubs to work out an extension with Crow-Armstrong during an appearance on 670 The Score's "The Mully & Haugh Show", saying it should cost $100 million or less.
"You've gotta sign, whether you call him 'PCA' or 'Pete,' or whatever. You're gonna get a good deal on him at this point, right? I mean, I don't think he needs the money. His family, I don't know if they're well-to-do, but they're doing well."
"He's made a little bit of money, he's not desperate, but you've gotta do that, because you can do that for $100 million or less, which is nothing in today's day and age."
Crow-Armstrong, 23, flashed tantalizing speed and defensive skills in his first two seasons, with an occasional power boost at the plate. So far this season, though, he's put up an .867 OPS and nine home runs in 35 games at the plate, helping him quickly accumulate 2.0 bWAR.
If this is the type of hitter Crow-Armstrong can be long-term, he'll be a perennial All-Star and worth far more than $100 million to the Cubs in terms of both on-field production and marketing appeal.
Heyman is right. The Cubs would be wise to get something done soon. But the missing variable is how Crow-Armstrong (and his agent) values himself.
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