4 Cubs Who Won’t Be Back if Pete Crow-Armstrong Gets Extended

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s future with the Chicago Cubs is becoming increasingly clear. The 23-year-old center fielder, who earned a Gold Glove and had an impressive 31 home runs and 35 stolen bases in the previous season, is now seeking a long-term extension. But while Crow-Armstrong is open to staying in Chicago if the Cubs present him with a fair contract, the reality is that extending him will come with substantial financial costs.

As one of the brightest young stars in the Cubs’ organization, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s potential is undeniable. A player with his ability could easily be a perennial All-Star, making him an attractive long-term investment for the Cubs. However, the cost of extending him could be more than just a big contract. The Cubs may need to make some tough decisions, and that could mean parting ways with a few players who have become key figures in the franchise.

Seiya Suzuki – The Price of Keeping the Outfield Intact

One of the key decisions for the Cubs will involve right fielder Seiya Suzuki, who is set to hit free agency after the upcoming season. As much as the Cubs would love to keep both Suzuki and Ian Happ, there’s a significant challenge in managing the team’s payroll. The Cubs will be facing a situation where re-signing Suzuki, along with locking in Crow-Armstrong’s extension, may push their financial flexibility to the limit.

Suzuki has been a consistent offensive performer for the Cubs, showing impressive power and plate discipline since joining the team. However, he is entering his age-31 season, and there are questions about whether the Cubs would be willing to pay top dollar for an aging outfielder. While Suzuki is undoubtedly talented, his performance might not justify the long-term investment the Cubs would need to make to keep him. In contrast, Ian Happ, the Cubs’ left fielder, has been a much more reliable and well-rounded player over the years.

Happ is a Gold Glove-winning outfielder who has played all nine of his big league seasons with the Cubs. While he’s not the same offensive threat as Suzuki, Happ offers a better overall package, and he may be more willing to accept a team-friendly deal to stay in Chicago. Given these factors, the Cubs may find it easier to let Suzuki walk and prioritize bringing back Happ.

Nico Hoerner – The Cubs’ Trade Conundrum

Moving on from Seiya Suzuki might free up enough funds for the Cubs to focus on other extensions, including that of Nico Hoerner. Hoerner has been a standout player for the Cubs, known for his elite defense and ability to get on base. At just 26 years old, he’s one of the top second basemen in Major League Baseball and remains on the right side of 30. However, with rumors swirling about his future and the Cubs’ finances, it’s worth considering whether the team will be able to afford him once he becomes eligible for free agency.

Hoerner’s skill set doesn’t include the power of some of the other Cubs’ stars, but he’s an invaluable piece of the team, excelling in all aspects of the game aside from hitting for power. Still, the Cubs face a dilemma. With young talent such as Matt Shaw, James Triantos, and Jefferson Rojas rising through the system, the Cubs may feel that they have a viable replacement waiting in the wings. While the Cubs should do everything in their power to retain Hoerner, his potential to demand a large contract could lead the team to consider trade options, especially if the decision to extend Crow-Armstrong limits their payroll flexibility.

Jameson Taillon – Age, Health, and Rotation Depth

After a challenging first year with the Cubs, Jameson Taillon has started to find his groove as a solid mid-rotation starter. The right-hander has been reliable in his three seasons with the Cubs, averaging 27 starts and nearly 150 innings per year. However, as Taillon approaches his age-35 season, it’s unclear whether the Cubs will want to keep him around beyond the 2026 season.

The Cubs will likely have more than enough rotation depth once Justin Steele returns from injury, with promising arms like Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks already in Triple-A and top prospect Jaxon Wiggins nearing a call-up. While Taillon has been a steady contributor, his advanced statistics suggest that he’s not as dominant as his ERA might suggest. Additionally, with the Cubs investing in younger pitchers and developing a deep talent pool, it might make more sense for the team to move on from Taillon and focus on the future.

Taillon’s health is another factor to consider. While he’s been relatively durable in his first three seasons with Chicago, he’s only made 30 starts in a season twice in his career. As he enters the back end of his career, the Cubs may be hesitant to commit to his contract long-term when they have capable young pitchers waiting in the wings.

Kevin Alcantara – The Outfield’s Future and Trade Possibilities

The Cubs have a strong outfield pipeline, with top prospect Kevin Alcantara standing out as one of the most intriguing players in the system. Alcantara is known for his high-end speed, athleticism, and defensive prowess, making him a promising future center fielder. However, with Pete Crow-Armstrong seemingly locked in as the Cubs’ long-term answer in center, Alcantara’s future with the team could be in jeopardy.

Alcantara has shown some offensive promise, with a solid .818 OPS in Triple-A last season. But his strikeout rate remains a concern, and he hasn’t been able to translate that success into consistent big league performance. Given his high ceiling and athleticism, Alcantara still has significant trade value, and it might be in the Cubs’ best interest to move him in a deal that addresses other areas of need.

The Cubs may not need to keep Alcantara around if Crow-Armstrong is already established as the centerpiece of their outfield. Alcantara could be a valuable trade chip for a team in need of a potential center fielder, and the Cubs could use him to fill other gaps in their roster. Moving on from Alcantara would not only open up room for the Cubs’ future star in center but could also provide a boost to the team in the form of additional assets.

Conclusion – The Cubs’ Financial Tightrope

Extending Pete Crow-Armstrong could be the best decision the Cubs make in the coming years, locking up one of their brightest young stars. However, that decision will come with significant financial consequences. The Cubs will likely need to part ways with some familiar faces to accommodate the extension, with Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Jameson Taillon, and Kevin Alcantara all potentially finding themselves on the move.

While these players have been important contributors to the Cubs’ success, it’s clear that the team’s future will revolve around their ability to manage payroll and develop young talent. If the Cubs can navigate these tough decisions effectively, they could position themselves for long-term success with a roster centered around Pete Crow-Armstrong and a group of talented young players.

In the ever-changing world of Major League Baseball, the Cubs’ front office will need to balance their financial commitments and future aspirations carefully. By making the right moves, they can secure a bright future while maintaining a competitive team for years to come.