Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
  • BEARS
    • Chicago Bears News
    • Chicago Bears Rumors
    • Caleb Williams news
  • BULLS
    • Michael Jordan News
    • Chicago Bulls News
    • Chicago Bulls Rumors
  • BLACKHAWKS
    • Connor Bedard News
    • Chicago Blackhawks News
    • Chicago Blackhawks Rumors
  • CUBS
    • Chicago Cubs Prospects
    • Chicago Cubs News
    • Chicago Cubs Rumors
  • WHITE SOX
    • Chicago White Sox Prospects
    • Chicago White Sox News
    • Chicago White Sox Rumors
  • SKY
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Navigation
  • About Us
  • About Us
  • Author Page Template
  • Chicago Sports News
  • Chicago Sports Podcasts
  • ChiCity+
  • Editorial policy
  • Editorial team
  • email test
  • Get In Touch
  • homepage
  • homepage
  • Join Our Group
  • Meet the team
  • Newsletter
  • Our Writers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Push notifications
  • Social Media
  • test
  • Test page
  • Testing
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending
  • Why Chicago Bears haven’t added impact running back, per insider
  • Packers legend Clay Matthews explains Chicago Bears draft roast
  • Why Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams is smiling after Vikings Monday Night Football reveal
  • Data proves Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese is way behind Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark in WNBA value
  • Chicago Cubs are better than you think in one key area
  • Why the Chicago Blackhawks likely won’t be in play for 22-year-old star forward this summer
  • Chicago Bears’ Rome Odunze drawing jaw dropping fantasy football buzz
  • Chicago Cubs manager sent Ryan Pressly a ‘direct’ message amid demotion
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News SiteChicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
WANT FREE UPDATES?
  • BEARS
    • Chicago Bears News
    • Chicago Bears Rumors
    • Caleb Williams news
  • BULLS
    • Michael Jordan News
    • Chicago Bulls News
    • Chicago Bulls Rumors
  • BLACKHAWKS
    • Connor Bedard News
    • Chicago Blackhawks News
    • Chicago Blackhawks Rumors
  • CUBS
    • Chicago Cubs Prospects
    • Chicago Cubs News
    • Chicago Cubs Rumors
  • WHITE SOX
    • Chicago White Sox Prospects
    • Chicago White Sox News
    • Chicago White Sox Rumors
  • SKY
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
Home»Cubs»Chicago Cubs didn’t initially want Pete Crow-Armstrong in Baez trade, ended up dodging a bullet
Cubs

Chicago Cubs didn’t initially want Pete Crow-Armstrong in Baez trade, ended up dodging a bullet

Paul MagnoBy Paul MagnoMay 2, 20254 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Email
Chicago Cubs
Apr 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) celebrates with fans after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

The Chicago Cubs unwittingly averted a disaster when they settled on acquiring second-or-third choice Pete Crow-Armstrong in their deal with the New York Mets at the 2021 trade deadline.

The Cubs had spent a considerable amount of time and energy back in the 2021 season purging themselves of contracts, free agent headaches, and under-performing veterans.

After non-tendering Kyle Schwarber and trading Yu Darvish prior to the start of the season, the Cubs traded away key World Series figures Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez. They would also deal Craig Kimbrel, Joc Pederson, and Andrew Chafin at, or near, the trade deadline.

And while the quality of return for those talents in the great purge can be debated, there’s zero doubting the value of one of them– Crow-Armstrong.

The New York Mets’ 2020 no. 1 draft pick was traded to the Cubs for shortstop Javier Baez, pitcher Trevor Williams, and cash consideration.

After some early rough times and a false career start or two, “PCA” has nudged himself closer to being the self-actualized multi-tool star scouts and analysts predicted him to be, recently named Cubs Player of the Month for April.

The Chicago Cubs Were Set On Another Mets Prospect In Baez Trade

Pete Crow-Armstrong
Pete Crow Armstrong

But if the Cubs had gotten their way back in 2021, that young asset would still be with the Mets and they’d be sitting here, all these years later, with almost nothing to show for their deadline deal.

In an article at The Athletic, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal chronicles the trade path of PCA and how the deal that brought him to his father’s favorite team almost didn’t get made.

According to Rosenthal, the Cubs had targeted top Mets pitching prospect Matt Allan in the Baez deal. Despite Allan having recently had Tommy John surgery, the Mets refused to trade him and the Cubs eventually settled on Crow-Armstrong, who, as a 19-year-old with very minimal pro experience, was recovering from shoulder surgery.

“We were really fortunate. If he’s playing, we’re never getting him,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told Rosenthal. “His defensive numbers would have been great, and they probably would have said no.”

Doubts About Crow-Armstrong

MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs Pete Crow-Armstrong
MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs Sep 28, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (52) hits an RBI single during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

While PCA was very well-regarded and a Top 100 prospect at the time, he was by no means a highly sought after trade target as the Mets looked to give up some young talent for someone who could help them in their playoff push that season.

“Only two clubs ever brought his name up,” Mets acting GM Zack Scott told Rosenthal. “Texas asked for him for (Joey) Gallo, who had 1 1/2 years of control, but the New York fit scared me. The Cubs were pushing for a different prospect (Allan) and were mixed on PCA.”

Crow-Armstrong’s young age and injury status gave pause to teams, as well as the debate over how well he’d be able to consistently hit major league pitching.

Cubs Were Fortunate In Getting Second Choice

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after hitting an RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field.
Apr 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after hitting an RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Still, the Mets weren’t all that enthused about sending him off.

“I didn’t want to give him up, but the team deserved reinforcements at the deadline, PCA was hurt — out for the season — but we really liked him,” said former New York Mets president Sandy Alderson.

Corner infield prospect Mark Vientos, who has now settled in as the Mets’ third baseman, was another name the Cubs had kicked around, before settling on Crow-Armstrong.

At any rate, the Cubs dodged a bullet in NOT getting their primary trade target, Allan.

The 24-year-old right-hander had two more elbow surgeries since the 2021 Tommy John procedure and is, just now, throwing his first pitches at Low-A ball in the Mets organization after missing about 6 years.

PCA, meanwhile, is proving himself to be one of the most dynamic talents in all of baseball.

Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong thriving in the comfort of the 7-hole

Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong thriving in the comfort of the 7-hole

Read More

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Chicago Cubs Javier Baez Jed Hoyer Matt Allan Pete Crow-Armstrong
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Author Image
BY Paul Magno

Paul Magno is a trending news writer for ChiCitySports.

Related Posts

Cubs May 14, 2025

Chicago Cubs are better than you think in one key area

Cubs May 14, 2025

Chicago Cubs manager sent Ryan Pressly a ‘direct’ message amid demotion

Cubs May 14, 2025

Chicago Cubs add to historic walk-off rate in MLB history in 2025

Cubs May 14, 2025

Cubs’ Justin Turner deflects praise after walk-off win

Cubs May 14, 2025

Chicago Cubs being “cautious” with 2 important players injuries

Cubs May 14, 2025

Multiple MLB teams inquiring for Chicago Cubs’ promising rookie this spring: Report

Leave A Reply

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
  • Home
  • Message Board
  • About Us
  • Editorial policy
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 ChiCitySports. Designed by Dope Guys Who Run ChiCitySports

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.