PCA (2 HRs vs. Dodgers) intrigued by idea of Cubs contract extension

LOS ANGELES -- Pete Crow-Armstrong can see himself suiting up for the Cubs for a long time, even beyond the years the team has him under their contractual control. The young center fielder is also open to the idea of an extension, but the timing has to be right.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Cubs recently approached Crow-Armstrong about a long-term deal, but the negotiations have been tabled for now. With the season underway, Crow-Armstrong wants to focus on the task at hand -- helping Chicago reach the playoffs -- and worry about the rest at a later date.

“The communication's been really great throughout all levels of this conversation,” Crow-Armstrong told reporters prior to helping spark Sunday’s 4-2 win at Dodger Stadium. “But there's been a general understanding and a general consensus that we're not going to let it be a distraction throughout this year, because I'm here to play baseball.”

Per Feinsand’s report, the Cubs went to Crow-Armstrong’s camp with the framework of a deal that included multiple option years, but the sides have plenty of time to revisit the concept. The 23-year-old outfielder is not eligible for arbitration until 2027 and is under team control through '30.

What the initial approach shows is that the Cubs believe in Crow-Armstrong’s ability to remain a key part of the core group for the North Siders. He is one of baseball’s top defenders and boasts elite speed on the basepaths. When Crow-Armstrong is in a groove offensively, he can impact a game on all fronts.

After struggling out of the gates last season, Crow-Armstrong found his footing in late July, hitting .289/.336/.469 with seven homers, eight doubles, three triples, 30 RBIs, 35 runs and nine steals in his final 57 games. During that time period from July 27 to the end of the season, he posted 2.2 fWAR. For perspective, Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson also had 2.2 fWAR in that same stretch, while Juan Soto (2.3) was just above them.

Crow-Armstrong launched his first two home runs of the season – one off Tyler Glasnow and another off Blake Treinen – and tripled on Sunday against the Dodgers, perhaps starting to turn a corner this season, too. Through 18 games, the center fielder is now hitting .229 (.689 OPS) with six steals and 13 runs scored.

“It’s a huge day,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “Just a big offensive day and against some really good pitching. That’s good. Just from Pete’s perspective, off to a little bit of a slow start, but to have a game where you’re kind of the guy that drives the bus offensively, so to speak, that’s a really good thing. And great for your confidence.”

After the second homer, Crow-Armstrong -- an L.A. native -- blew a kiss to his parents in the stands.

“It just happened,” Crow-Armstrong said with a smile after the win. “I didn’t do it the first time, so once I remembered how to hit a homer, I made sure to acknowledge them, for sure.”

Crow-Armstrong was appreciative of the Cubs front office – led by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and general manager Carter Hawkins – already showing interest in a long-term pact.

“That’s something I’d absolutely love to do, and Carter and Jed know that,” Crow-Armstrong said. “Again, that’s been a part of the good round of communication we’ve got. I would obviously love to do it here. It’s all just a big ol’ compliment. They’ve been nothing but really complimentary of who I am, what I mean to the organization.

“But that goes both ways. I’ve appreciated them both throughout this whole situation.”