Cubs Star Pete Crow-Armstrong Reflects on Contract, 2025 Season

Outfielder discusses desire to stay in Chicago, challenges of last year, and playoff aspirations

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a new interview with Chicago Magazine, Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong opened up about his ongoing contract negotiations with the team, the ups and downs of his 2025 season, and his commitment to bringing playoff baseball back to the city. The 24-year-old All-Star and Gold Glove winner expressed a clear desire to remain in Chicago long-term while acknowledging the need to balance his personal ambitions with fairness to the free agent market.

Why it matters

As one of the Cubs' rising young stars, Crow-Armstrong's future with the team is a key storyline heading into the 2026 season. His comments provide insight into the team's efforts to lock up their homegrown talent and build around a core of players like Crow-Armstrong, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Chicago.

The details

Crow-Armstrong admitted his performance declined in the second half of the 2025 season, which he described as 'terrible' in the interview. However, he praised the Cubs' passionate fanbase for their unwavering support throughout the year. The outfielder also confirmed that contract extension talks are ongoing, saying he's made it clear he wants to remain in Chicago 'for as long as they want me.' Crow-Armstrong emphasized his focus on the team's best interests, noting he's 'cool' with being under team control and accepting the 'league minimum' salary.

  • Crow-Armstrong's first All-Star appearance and Gold Glove award came in 2025.
  • The full interview with Crow-Armstrong will be published in the latest issue of Chicago Magazine, available on newsstands and through the magazine's website.

The players

Pete Crow-Armstrong

The 24-year-old center fielder for the Chicago Cubs, who is coming off his first All-Star season and a Gold Glove award.

Seiya Suzuki

The Cubs outfielder who is expected to take the majority of starts in right field, allowing Crow-Armstrong to cover more ground in center field.

Kyle Tucker

The former Cubs outfielder who has departed the team, leading to an increased role for Crow-Armstrong in the outfield.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's just an incredible city. The people are great. They give a s—. They aren't just baseball fans who go to the game like Dodgers fans to take pictures or whatever. They are paying attention. They care.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs Center Fielder (Chicago Magazine)

“I've made it clear I want to be here for as long as they want me. I want what's best for the team. I'm cool with being under team control and being here. League minimum ain't too f—— bad.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs Center Fielder (Chicago Magazine)

“I saw what bringing playoff baseball back to the city meant. That's an easy, immovable goal. The f— are you playing for if you're not trying to play in the playoffs and win the World Series?”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs Center Fielder (Chicago Magazine)

What’s next

The Cubs aim to capitalize on Crow-Armstrong's growth as they prepare for the coming season, hoping his continued development will help them reach deeper into postseason play.

The takeaway

Crow-Armstrong's commitment to the Cubs and his desire to bring playoff baseball back to Chicago underscores the team's efforts to build around their young core of talent. His reflections on the 2025 season and contract negotiations provide a glimpse into the challenges and aspirations of a rising MLB star.