Cubs, Nico Hoerner Agree to 6-Year Extension The Chicago Cubs have secured second baseman Nico Hoerner with a six-year contract extension, keeping him under team control through the 2029 season. The deal, reported by ESPN, prevents Hoerner from becoming a free agent after the 2025 season. Financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed, and the Cubs have not officially announced the signing. Hoerner, 28, struggled in his debut with the Cubs, going 0 for 4 in the team’s Opening Day loss to the Washington Nationals. However, his overall performance in 2024 was impressive. Last season, he posted a .297 batting average with a .345 on-base percentage and .394 slugging percentage, along with 29 stolen bases. His strikeout rate was among the lowest among qualified hitters, and his defensive skills earned him a Gold Glove Award. Over the past four seasons, Hoerner has consistently contributed around 4 wins above replacement (WAR), solidifying his status as one of baseball’s most underrated players. The extension comes as part of a broader effort by the Cubs to retain key players ahead of free agency. Earlier this week, the team also signed center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong to a six-year, $115 million contract. With shortstop Dansby Swanson already locked in through 2029, the Cubs have ensured their infielders—Hoerner, Crow-Armstrong, and Swanson—will remain together for at least three more seasons. All three are Gold Glove defenders, and their combined offensive and defensive value is considered nearly irreplaceable. The decision to extend Hoerner aligns with predictions made by analysts earlier in the season. With several core players set to hit free agency, including Ian Happ, Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, Jameson Taillon, and others, the Cubs were expected to prioritize long-term deals.#chicago_cubs #mlb #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #dansby_swanson
Chicago Cubs Contract Extension Rumors for Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner Show No Progress Reports from Jon Heyman indicate that the Chicago Cubs are not close to finalizing contract extensions for either Pete Crow-Armstrong or Nico Hoerner, despite ongoing speculation. While the Cubs have previously offered $66 million for Crow-Armstrong, there is no indication of a near-term deal, and Heyman suggests the team remains open to higher figures. However, the lack of concrete developments suggests that negotiations are far from active. Crow-Armstrong’s market value has fluctuated significantly over the past year. His MVP-caliber first-half performance, marked by a dynamic 30-30 threat and elite defensive skills, once positioned him at astronomical value. However, a decline in offensive production later in the season brought his worth back to more realistic levels. Despite this, the Gold Glove winner still holds substantial long-term value, though the Cubs may now have a clearer understanding of his future contributions, particularly at the plate. The current uncertainty, combined with the approaching Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, has created a challenging environment for meaningful progress on a long-term deal. While Crow-Armstrong’s extension remains uncertain, he is under team control through the 2030 season regardless of any agreement. For Hoerner, the situation is more urgent. The second baseman is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, and if he replicates his 2025 performance—highlighted by a 4.8 fWAR, Gold Glove award, and batting title runner-up finish—he could command a premium price. His value extends beyond his on-field contributions, as Heyman notes that some view him as the “lifeblood” of the team.#chicago_cubs #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #jon_heyman #collective_bargaining_agreement
Cubs Extend Pete Crow-Armstrong - MLB Trade Rumors The Chicago Cubs and star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are finalizing a long-term contract extension, according to ESPN reporter Jeff Passan. Once completed, the deal will secure one of baseball’s premier defensive players for the team’s future. Crow-Armstrong, who has been a key asset for the Cubs since joining the organization, is expected to remain with the club for multiple seasons. The Cubs attempted to finalize a deal with Crow-Armstrong during last year’s Spring Training, but the sides could not reach an agreement. At the time, Crow-Armstrong was coming off a rookie season marked by a .237/.286/.384 batting line. However, the Cubs believed he had untapped offensive potential. Despite the failed negotiation, there was never any question about his defensive capabilities, which have consistently been among the best in the league. A year later, Crow-Armstrong has evolved into a more well-rounded player. His offensive production has surged, with a career-high 31 home runs and 72 extra-base hits. He also stole 35 bases, joining an elite group of players who reached the 30-30 milestone. His all-around impact was further highlighted by 24 Outs Above Average and 15 Defensive Runs Saved, tying him for second among center fielders in the latter category. For much of the 2024 season, Crow-Armstrong was considered a top-three MVP candidate. He began the year on an offensive tear, hitting 27 home runs with a .272/.309/.559 slash line through mid-July. However, his performance dipped significantly in the final months, as he struggled to a .188/.237/.295 line over his last 200 plate appearances. Despite the late-season slump, his overall contributions to the team have solidified his value as a cornerstone player.#chicago_cubs #pete_crowarmstrong #jeff_passan #mlb_trade_rumors #center_field
Cubs Finalize Long-Term Extension with Star Center Fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong The Chicago Cubs and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are finalizing a long-term contract extension, securing one of the league’s most promising young talents after his breakout 2024 season. The deal comes as Crow-Armstrong, who turns 24 on Wednesday, emerged as a key contributor for the Cubs, winning a Gold Glove and becoming the first player in three decades to record a 30-30 season. Crow-Armstrong’s rise to prominence was marked by his elite defensive skills and offensive contributions. Last season, he solidified his reputation as the best center fielder in baseball, showcasing both power and speed. His first half of the season was particularly impressive, as he hit .265/.302/.544 with 25 home runs and 27 stolen bases. While his second-half performance dipped slightly—posting six home runs, eight steals, and a .216/.262/.372 slash line—the Cubs viewed his overall production as a sign of his potential. The 2024 season saw Crow-Armstrong earn an All-Star berth and represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic. His standout play included leading the majors in Outs Above Average, a testament to his defensive prowess. Despite his offensive struggles in the second half, the Cubs remained confident, attributing his performance to a temporary dip rather than a lack of ability. Crow-Armstrong’s journey to the majors began with a trade from the New York Mets in 2023. The Mets, seeking to upgrade their roster, sent him to the Cubs in exchange for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. The move proved beneficial for Chicago, as Crow-Armstrong quickly adapted to the big leagues. After a strong minor league season in 2023, he made his MLB debut as a September call-up in 2024.#world_baseball_classic #chicago_cubs #new_york_mets #pete_crowarmstrong #national_league_central
