Cubs Lock Up Crow-Armstrong, Strengthen NL Central

0:00It's March 24th. This is MLB News today, AI-powered stories from around the league. I'm Cory with the story. Chicago Cubs fans are buzzing as the team finalizes a long-term contract extension with star center-fielder Pete Crow Armstrong. The deal locks up the 25-year-old talent well beyond his previous free agency path after 2031. Crow Armstrong just wrapped a standout season with 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, a gold glove award, and a top 10 finish in National League, most valuable player voting. He first joined the Cubs in a trade with the New York Mets back in 2021. Over his two full seasons, he's dazzled with elite defense, speed on the bases, and growing power at the plate. This spring, he bounced back from a slow start in training by shining for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, where he hit two clutch home runs. Cubs supporters see this as a smart move amid the team's aggressive offseason push. They signed third baseman Alex Breggman to a five-year $175 million pact and traded

1:02a top prospect for pitcher Edward, Cabrera, who's controlled through 2029. Meanwhile, the National League's central looks ripe for the taking. The Milwaukee Brewers traded their ace and mace-lip, Cincinnati lacks hitting punch with Hunter Green out until July, and both St. Louis and Pittsburgh limp to under 80 wins last year. He steps position the Cubs to lead the division for years, blending young stars like Crow Armstrong with proven vets for sustained success.