Pete Crow-Armstrong Betting on Himself in More Ways Than One
As of April 12, Pete Crow-Armstrong‘s defense was the only thing keeping him afloat. He had a .197 batting average, a .521 OPS, and was still looking for his first home run of the season. That’s when Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Cubs had discussed an extension with their young center fielder. The news of a possible long-term deal came as somewhat of a surprise due to the slow start, but some theorized Jed Hoyer had tried to pounce while PCA’s value was low. Even so, a deal that would have maxed out at $75 million if multiple club options were exercised isn’t anywhere near what Crow-Armstrong could be worth if he nears his potential.
He has gone on an offensive rampage since the failed negotiations were leaked, hitting nine home runs to drive an .871 OPS while climbing near the top of the leaderboards in several offensive categories. Three of those home runs have come against the Brewers, pushing PCA to a 140 wRC+ and a 2.2 fWAR mark that ties him with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Pete Alonso for second in MLB.
PETE HENRY CROW-ARMSTRONG. pic.twitter.com/NITz3ObVvw
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 4, 2025
Crow-Armstrong appeared to have made a gesture with his hands while rounding first base, yelling at someone in the Cubs’ bullpen. The motion looks like he’s asking for money, which he later confirmed in an interview with Taylor McGregor.
Did PCA hint at why he did the 'money symbol' after his home run? 🤔💰 pic.twitter.com/0JOMKXASY6
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 4, 2025
“Danny [Palencia] asked me what at-bat I was gonna hit a homer, and I said second at-bat,” he explained.
Not only did PCA cash in with his teammate Daniel Palencia, but he’s sure to receive a large payday if he decides to take the route of an early extension. He’s only half a win and one home run away from his 2024 totals despite being only 33 games into the 2025 campaign, putting him on pace for a whopping 9.2 fWAR and 38 homers. Even if his production cools as expected, he could end up being the Cubs’ most valuable contributor this season and beyond.
He already appears to be their most popular, which you can hear when “P-C-A” chants break out in opposing ballparks from Tokyo to Pittsburgh to Wrigley North.
Close your eyes and listen to this home run. You’d think the Cubs were at home. That’s Wrigley North for ya https://t.co/hi6FMi6KYT
— Cubs Insider (@realcubsinsider) May 4, 2025
Choosing to turn down that reported extension offer seemed like a no-brainer based on potential alone, but Crow-Armstrong’s explosion in the wake of tabling talks has left fans and analysts speechless. Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, who isn’t prone to empty superlatives, tweeted Saturday night that “this power output is jarring.” The Cubs might want to bottle PCA’s energy and start selling it, because they’re going to need a lot more than $75 million the next time they approach him with an offer.
