In 2021, the Chicago Cubs made waves across the MLB by trading away several key players, signaling the beginning of a rebuilding phase. One of the notable trades involved sending Javier Báez and Trevor Williams to the New York Mets in exchange for highly-rated prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, a move that would later prove pivotal for the Cubs’ future.
Crow-Armstrong, who was renowned for his elite defense and the potential to become a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder, became an essential piece of the Cubs’ rebuild. At the time of the trade, Crow-Armstrong was rehabbing from a shoulder injury, and his inclusion in trade discussions came as a surprise to him. In a recent interview, Crow-Armstrong reflected on how he learned of the trade, recalling his shock and disbelief as his friend and teammate, Mark Vientos, was the first to inform him about the move.
Despite being caught off guard, Crow-Armstrong expressed gratitude for his time with the Mets while transitioning to his new role with the Cubs. Now, as the rebuild progresses, Crow-Armstrong is beginning to demonstrate why the Cubs were so eager to acquire him. In 2023, fully recovered and thriving, he has become a crucial contributor, particularly with his elite defense and emerging offensive potential. His recent surge at the plate, including a .905 OPS and seven home runs since August 1st, has provided Cubs fans with optimism about the future.
At just 22 years old, Crow-Armstrong is quickly becoming one of the cornerstones of the Cubs’ rebuild. The trade that brought him to Chicago, alongside others that saw longtime Cubs stars like Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo depart, marked a new era for the franchise. Now, with Crow-Armstrong blossoming into a potential star, it’s clear that the Cubs’ decision to embrace a rebuild is paying off.
His journey from being an unexpected trade piece to a vital player in Chicago’s future has given the Cubs hope that brighter days are ahead. The decision to acquire him is now proving to be a smart one, as he delivers on the promise that once made him a top prospect.