Pete Crow-Armstrong, or “PCA” as fans call him, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the Chicago Cubs’ most exciting young players. Born on March 25, 2002, Pete grew up in a family of actors but decided to chase his own dream on the baseball field instead of in Hollywood.
For the 2025 MLB season, Crow-Armstrong is playing under a 1-year, $771,000 contract with the Chicago Cubs, and the entire amount is guaranteed.
Baseball analysts across the country have started paying close attention to his rapid rise. After he smashed a three-run homer and flashed a money sign, fans couldn’t help but wonder if a $75 million contract is in his future.
Right now, his net worth sits at about $3,359,000. That number seems like it’s only going up as his reputation grows.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Pete started honing his baseball skills when he was just a kid. He showed off so much natural talent that it was pretty clear early on he’d have a shot at the pros.
His journey from a young athlete to a top draft prospect really set the stage for what he’s doing now with the Cubs.
High School and Development
Pete went to Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where he quickly became known as an elite prospect. Even though he grew up in Southern California, he rooted for the Cubs as a kid—kind of funny how things work out sometimes. He was a Cubs fan early on.
At Harvard-Westlake, Pete developed his trademark defensive skills in center field. Scouts loved his range and instincts.
He kept improving both his hitting and his fielding, never really settling. Coaches often mentioned his work ethic and how he studied the game in a way that set him apart from other players his age.
Those high school years really shaped how he approaches the game and gave him a solid foundation for his pro career.
Notable Youth Achievements
Pete played for Team USA in international tournaments, showing off his skills to the world before he even finished high school. He stood out on the U-18 National Team and that helped solidify his status as a top prospect.
He picked up All-American honors and joined the ranks of the country’s best prep players. Speed, defense, and a developing bat—he had the whole package.
Scouting publications like Baseball America always ranked him near the top outfielders in his class. At Harvard-Westlake, he won conference championships and individual awards that caught the eye of both college coaches and MLB scouts.
Initial Scouting and Draft Prospects
Scouts loved Pete’s elite defense in center field. They gave him high grades for his glove, speed, instincts, and arm strength.
Some wondered about his hitting power, but his contact skills and approach at the plate balanced that out. He understood the strike zone and used the whole field, even if he wasn’t a big power hitter yet.
Pete committed to Vanderbilt University, a top baseball school, but his draft stock climbed so high that pro baseball made more sense. By the 2020 MLB Draft, everyone saw him as a first-rounder, and the New York Mets picked him 19th overall.
Professional Career Progression
Pete’s journey through pro baseball has been fast and, honestly, kind of impressive. He’s gone from a hyped draft pick to a legit Major League outfielder, thanks to his defense and his steadily improving bat.
MLB Draft and Signing
In the 2020 MLB Draft, Pete entered as one of the top prospects. The Mets took him with the 19th pick, betting on his defense and potential at the plate.
Then the pandemic hit and wiped out minor league play in 2020. That delayed his debut, but scouts kept talking about his five-tool potential and big-league-ready glove.
In July 2021, the Mets traded Pete to the Cubs in the Javier Báez deal. That move changed the course of his career, giving him a clearer shot at the majors with the Cubs.
Minor League Journey
Pete started his minor league career in 2021, but a shoulder injury limited him to just six games. Once he recovered, he quickly re-established himself as an elite defender with an improving bat.
The 2022 season was a breakout year. He moved up through the Cubs’ farm system, and people around the league started to notice.
By 2023, Pete had become one of the Cubs’ top prospects. His numbers kept getting better as he faced tougher competition.
Major League Debut With Cubs
Pete made his MLB debut with the Cubs in late 2023, finally living up to his first-round billing. His defense in center field was immediately big-league caliber, and his highlight-reel catches were everywhere.
In 2024, he became a regular in the Cubs outfield, flashing Gold Glove-level defense and continuing to work on his offense. His speed and base-running instincts added another weapon to the Cubs’ lineup.
For 2025, Pete signed a one-year, $771,000 contract with the Cubs. The team controls his rights until 2030, and he’s looking more and more like a future cornerstone.
Contract Details and Extensions
Pete’s financial journey with the Cubs started with his rookie contract and has already sparked talk of bigger extensions. His contract situation says a lot about how much the Cubs value him—and how they handle young talent.
Current Contract Structure
Right now, Pete plays under a rookie deal with the Cubs worth $771,000 for one year. That’s all guaranteed, which is pretty standard for young players just breaking into the majors.
As a rising outfielder, Pete’s contract fits the usual rookie scale. The Cubs control his contract for a few more seasons before he hits arbitration.
Here’s how it usually goes for MLB rookies:
- 3 years at league minimum (or a little above)
- 3 years of arbitration
- Free agency after 6 full years of service time
If Pete keeps improving, the Cubs are getting a steal for now.
Free Agency and Future Considerations
Pete is still a ways off from free agency. He won’t be eligible until after the 2029 season, assuming he stays in the majors the whole time.
His arbitration years will start around 2027. That’s when his salary could jump, depending on how he performs and how he stacks up to other players.
The Cubs have some decisions to make as Pete gets closer to arbitration. Players with his defensive chops often get big raises in arbitration, especially if their bats come around.
The market for elite defensive center fielders has been going up, so that could boost his future earnings, too.
Potential for Contract Extension
The Cubs have already tried to lock Pete up long-term, reportedly offering him a contract extension worth about $75 million. Talks stalled, though, at least for now.
That deal would’ve bought out his arbitration years and some free agency. Teams love these kinds of extensions for young stars—they get cost certainty, and the player gets security.
Reports say the deal included option years that could push the total value to $75 million. That’s a pretty common structure these days.
One Reddit analysis suggested a deal giving “Crow-Armstrong $10 million up front and the Cubs a 5-year deal worth $46 million,” letting him hit free agency at 28.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Pete’s finances have grown steadily since he turned pro. His current net worth mostly comes from his Cubs contract, but there’s a lot of room for that to grow if he keeps trending upward.
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2025, Pete has an estimated net worth of $3,359,000. Most of that comes from his baseball earnings with the Cubs.
He’s still early in his career, so his wealth isn’t at the level of MLB veterans, but it’s nothing to sneeze at for someone his age. Most of his assets are tied up in his contract, not outside investments—at least not yet.
Analysts expect his net worth to grow a lot in the next few years, especially if his bat keeps developing and his defense stays elite.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Details about Pete’s endorsement deals haven’t really gone public, but brands are starting to notice him. His highlight-reel defense makes him a natural fit for companies looking to partner with fresh MLB talent.
He probably has some equipment sponsorships already—glove and apparel companies love Gold Glove-caliber outfielders. His clean image and role with the Cubs could bring bigger deals as he gets more attention.
If he keeps up this pace, don’t be surprised if he lands more lucrative sponsorships soon.
Salary Progression Over the Years
Crow-Armstrong started his MLB career with modest earnings, but there’s real potential for big growth ahead. He signed a one-year, $771,000 contract with the Cubs for the 2025 season, which lines up with what young players under team control usually make.
Right now, his salary sits close to the league minimum, which jumped to about $800,000 annually as of 2025. The Cubs keep team control over Crow-Armstrong through 2030, so they hold most of the cards in early salary talks.
Industry insiders expect the two sides to talk about a contract extension that could buy out his arbitration years. That would give Pete some financial security and help the Cubs lock in costs for a player who’s already showing standout defensive value.
On-Field Performance and Accolades
Pete Crow-Armstrong has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in baseball. He mixes elite defense with improving offensive skills, which keeps analysts and fans buzzing.
Key Statistics and Impact
Crow-Armstrong’s defensive stats put him among the best outfielders in the league. He ranks near the top in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR). His range in center field stands out—he covers ground that most outfielders just can’t reach.
At the plate, he’s been making steady strides since his MLB debut. His batting average started at .221 in his first partial season, but it’s moved up to more respectable numbers in 2024-25. On the bases, he’s fast, and his 80% stolen base success rate proves it.
Fantasy baseball managers love him for his stolen bases and outfield assists. As his batting average improves, he becomes a more complete player to watch.
All-Star Selections and Honors
Crow-Armstrong picked up his first All-Star nod in 2024, representing the Cubs. His defensive skills turned heads across the league, and his highlight catches landed him on MLB broadcasts pretty often.
He got a Gold Glove nomination in his first full season, which says a lot about how quickly he earned the respect of peers and coaches. Some baseball analysts even compare his outfield play to Jim Edmonds, a Cubs legend.
The Cubs named him their Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. That team award came soon after he reached the majors, and his dramatic catches at Wrigley Field made him a fan favorite almost overnight.
Postseason and Playoff Contributions
Crow-Armstrong got his first taste of the playoffs during the Cubs’ 2024 postseason run. In the NLDS against the Braves, he made a clutch defensive play—robbing a home run in Game 3 to protect a one-run lead and help the Cubs advance.
His postseason batting stats show he can handle the moment. In 18 playoff at-bats, he’s hit .278 with 2 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. His speed has created extra scoring chances in tight games.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell often praises Crow-Armstrong’s calm under playoff pressure. He says Pete’s ability to stay cool in big moments stands out for such a young player. That mental toughness is becoming a big part of his playoff reputation.
Notable Games: World Series and Beyond
The Cubs haven’t reached the World Series with Crow-Armstrong yet, but he’s already delivered some memorable regular-season performances that hint at his October potential.
On June 8, 2024, he had a huge game against the Cardinals—going 4-for-5 with a homer, two doubles, and three RBIs in a big divisional matchup. That night showed how his bat is catching up to his glove.
He’s also played well against the Mets, his original MLB team before the trade to Chicago. In 12 games against New York, he’s batted .295 with three homers. Cubs fans especially love those performances against his old club, and his popularity keeps growing.
Personal Life and Off-Field Influence
Away from the field, Pete Crow-Armstrong leads a pretty interesting life that shapes who he is and how he connects with people.
Role Models and Relationships
Family has played a big role in Pete’s approach to baseball and life. His mom, Ashley Crow, worked as an actress and even appeared in the baseball movie “Little Big League.” That connection to baseball through film probably helped Pete appreciate the sport’s culture from a young age.
He values his relationships with teammates, especially during his pro development. Veterans like Ian Happ stepped up as mentors when Pete joined the Cubs, guiding him both on and off the field.
Cody Bellinger, another outfielder, showed Pete how to stay level-headed through baseball’s highs and lows without losing his competitive edge.
Community Involvement
Despite being early in his career, Crow-Armstrong has already built a reputation as a community-focused player. He regularly joins Cubs charity events and works with youth baseball programs in Chicago.
He loves giving back through baseball clinics, where he teaches fundamentals to young players. Pete often shares tips with aspiring catchers, explaining how outfielders and catchers can work together to help the team.
In the off-season, he volunteers with baseball programs in Florida, especially around Tampa Bay, connecting with young athletes from all sorts of backgrounds. His community work even includes friendly competitions with the Miami Marlins and Brewers during joint charity events.
Interests Outside Baseball
When he’s not on the field, Crow-Armstrong dives into a bunch of hobbies that help him keep his head straight.
He’s an avid reader and swaps book recommendations with teammates, especially during those long, endless road trips.
Somewhere along the way, he picked up photography. Those minor league bus rides? He started snapping landscape shots of America’s heartland.
This creative side gives him a little distance from the daily grind of baseball.
Pete’s got a thing for culinary arts, too. Every now and then, he shares cooking videos on social media, showing off healthy meal ideas.
His teammates seem to love it—he’s become the go-to guy for food during team hangouts.
He really enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking and fishing.
A few teammates have mentioned how patient he is when he teaches fishing to newcomers. Maybe that’s why he’s such a solid mentor on the field, too.
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