The 2025 season wrapped with heartbreak for the Chicago Cubs. The team finished the season with a strong 92-70 record, earning its first playoff spot since 2020. However, their journey in October ended in Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Now that the dust has settled, conversations have shifted to roster decisions. And at the centre of those discussions stands Pete Crow Armstrong. His breakout season, loyalty to the team, and ties to the city have shifted the rumoured $250M contract conversation from speculation to a great possibility.

Crow-Armstrong didn’t just have a good season. He had a historic one. The 23-year-old center fielder became only the second player in Cubs history to reach the 30-30 club, joining Sammy Sosa in that exclusive group. His final numbers tell the story: 31 home runs, 35 stolen bases, 95 RBIs, and a .247 batting average with elite defense that earned him Gold Glove consideration. He finished with 5.9 WAR, placing him among the NL top performers. Numbers like these are exactly what fuel those $250M extension projections.

What makes Pete Crow Armstrong’s situation particularly compelling isn’t just his on-field production. It’s what he represents to the franchise. In a recent interview, the center fielder revealed his family’s strong ties to Cubs baseball, extending beyond the typical player-team relationship. “My whole family on his side is Chicago-based and mostly Chicago-born, so Cubby Blue runs deep on the Armstrong side of things for sure,” PCA said, referencing his father Matt Armstrong, who grew up as a Cubs fan in Naperville, Illinois. “I definitely think this year I learned, in the best way that I could, about what Chicago Cubs baseball means to this city.“

The young outfielder didn’t have an easy road to this success. Crow-Armstrong struggled in August, batting just .160 with no power after a hot first half that got him picked as an All-Star starter and started MVP talks. But he got into a groove when it counted most, ending September on a high note and joining the prestigious 30-30 club on September 26 against the Cardinals.

Meanwhile, the Cubs’ front office faces another major decision that might be affected by the PCA contract. The Cubs made a bold move last December, acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from Houston in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith. Tucker delivered a strong first half that helped propel the Cubs to their best season since 2018.

But Tucker is now a free agent, with his market value potentially exceeding $400M. The Cubs face a crucial decision: invest heavily to retain him or build around homegrown talent like Crow-Armstrong. PCA’s favorable contract, solid performance, and connection to Chicago make him an ideal building block for a championship team. And that’s where his defensive excellence becomes even more critical to understanding his value.

Loyal to the Cubs, master of defense: PCA’s award-winning season

Beyond the offensive fireworks, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s defensive breakout quietly proved how valuable he is to the Chicago Cubs, both now and for years to come.

As a center fielder in 2025, he won his first Gold Glove Award, posting the most Outs Above Average (+24). With that record, he now stands alongside Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals.  And Cubs president Jed Hoyer didn’t mince words when assessing his young star, calling PCA “the best defensive player in baseball.”

That recognition makes his impact on the Cubs extend far beyond the bat. Crow-Armstrong elevates the whole team’s defense by patrolling center field with exceptional range and consistency, giving the front office every reason to see him as part of the long-term core. Like Hoyer said, “He’s the backbone of our defense.”

The Cubs fielded one of baseball’s best defenses in 2025, thanks to their outstanding collective effort. Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, and Nico Hoerner all won Gold Gloves for Chicago, proving that the team’s defense isn’t just a fluke but a foundational identity.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the Cubs have a special homegrown star in center field. He showcases Gold Glove defense, elite speed, and a complete offensive skill set. This rare combination bolsters the case for a long-term commitment, ensuring the Cubs secure a cornerstone player who genuinely wants to be part of the team.