Chris Rose and Trevor Plouffe recently discussed Pete Crow-Armstrong and his recent performance against his hometown team of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Crow-Armstrong, better known as PCA, absolutely raked in that series and is turning a lot of heads with a Chicago Cubs organization that looks ready to win the division.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Could Receive a Similar Contract to Jackson Merrill
One of the things that Chris Rose was quick to point out is the fact that there is no evidence behind Crow-Armstrong turning down an extension with the Cubs. Nothing has been confirmed at this point, but the rumor is PCA turned down an extension that would’ve given him a maximum contract of $75 million.
Chris Rose mentioned, “I think he’s got his eyes on a Jackson Merrill type deal”. $75 million is nothing to be ashamed of, but the 23-year-old lefty has his eyes on the prize. Jackson Merrill is one year younger than him, having just turned 22 less than a week ago.
Merrill was able to lock up a nine-year, $135 million contract to keep him with the San Diego Padres. It might not be anywhere near Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract, but Merrill is off to an extremely hot start in the MLB.
There are certainly comparisons to be made between PCA and Merrill, but each are still a different caliber player. Rose added, “I don’t think PCA has to get to the offensive numbers Merrill is at because of the plus plus defender and baserunner that he is.”
With a .292 batting average last season, Merrill made his name known in the Padres organization. Through his 37 at-bats this season, he is off to a scorching .378 start with an OPS at 1.090. Merrill is tearing through everything thrown his way, but PCA isn’t too far behind him statistically. Crow-Armstrong has a .294 average with 102 at-bats, a much larger sample size than Merrill, who went on the 10-Day IL and should return in the next series or two.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s speed is something that sets him apart from the rest. Merrill had 16 stolen bases all of last season, while PCA has stolen 10 already this season in 130 fewer games played. Having stolen 27 bases last season, Crow-Armstrong is going to demolish that amount here in 2025.
It’s fun to compare prospects and contracts to give Crow-Armstrong a better idea of what salary is likely to come his way. The $75 million extension is quite honestly a slap in the face if this Chris Rose comparison to Jackson Merrill comes true.
PCA has shown no signs of slowing down and put up some of his best hitting numbers of the season against the reigning World Series Champions. At 16-10, the Cubs are the talk of the town this season, and the speedy youngster Pete Crow-Armstrong is a name that comes along with that.