Pete Crow-Armstrong is trying to assist the Chicago Cubs return to the MLB playoffs for a second straight yr in 2026, however the begin of his season has not gone as deliberate.
The 24-year-old middle fielder signed a long-term six-year, $115 million extension this previous offseason, conserving him with the Cubs by the 2032 season. With that contract got here expectations, and to date he has struggled to fulfill them on the plate.
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Through his first 16 video games, Crow-Armstrong owns a .203 batting common, .239 on-base share, .504 OPS, one dwelling run and 5 RBIs. He has nonetheless supplied worth defensively and on the bases with 4 steals, however the Cubs want extra from him offensively.
Chicago enters Tuesday’s recreation towards the Philadelphia Phillies at 7-9 and sitting in final place within the National League Central, including urgency for his or her younger famous person to get going.
Chicago Cubs middle fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) © Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Even with the sluggish begin, Crow-Armstrong continues to develop his presence off the sector. On Tuesday, he formally introduced a brand new partnership with New Balance.
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The model has a significant footprint in baseball, producing cleats, turf footwear and attire, and its MLB roster contains Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor.
Crow-Armstrong now turns into Chicago’s consultant. He made the announcement in a collaborated submit with the corporate.
“Next up: PCA. Welcome to the New Balance family, @petecrowarmstrong,” the caption learn.
For Crow-Armstrong, becoming a member of New Balance alerts his rising profile as one of many sport’s younger faces. It additionally displays the arrogance manufacturers have in his long-term potential, whilst he works by early-season struggles. The Cubs hope that confidence interprets again onto the sector as he settles in and finds his swing.
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Crow-Armstrong has spent his whole four-year MLB profession with the Cubs, although he was initially a first-round decide by the New York Mets in 2020.
He was traded to Chicago on the 2021 deadline within the deal for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. Last season, he broke out along with his first All-Star choice, a Gold Glove Award and a ninth-place end in National League MVP voting.
Now, as he provides a significant endorsement to his resume, the Cubs will search for him to regain that 2025 kind and assist raise the crew again into rivalry.
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Related: Cubs Lose Another Player After Cade Horton’s Injury
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Apr 14, 2026, the place it first appeared within the MLB part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
