In 2021, the Chicago Cubs made waves in the baseball world by trading away some of their most beloved players, marking the start of a rebuild. One of the standout deals involved sending Javier Báez and Trevor Williams to the New York Mets in exchange for a crucial piece of the Cubs’ future—outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
At the time, Crow-Armstrong was a highly-regarded prospect, known for his exceptional defense and potential to win a Gold Glove. As the Cubs’ rebuild progresses, Crow-Armstrong is proving to be a pivotal acquisition.
During a recent interview on *The Rose Rotation* podcast by Jomboy Media, Crow-Armstrong shared the unexpected way he learned of the trade. Recovering from a shoulder injury, he hadn’t expected to be involved in any trade talks. His main concern had been for a teammate, Mark Vientos, whom he thought was more likely to be traded.
“The morning I got traded, I called [Mark] Vientos because we all thought he might get dealt. We said, ‘Call me if anything happens to you,’” Crow-Armstrong recalled.
However, when Vientos FaceTimed him later, Crow-Armstrong quickly realized the trade was about him. “I answered the phone, and he just stared at me without saying a word. Then, in the background, I heard someone say, ‘Pete Crow just got traded?’ That’s when I knew it was real.”
Although the trade came as a shock, Crow-Armstrong expressed gratitude for his time with the Mets, maintaining positive relationships with people in the organization.
Now, in 2023, Crow-Armstrong is fulfilling his potential. Fully recovered from his injury, he’s become a key player for the Cubs. Since August 1st, he has posted a stellar .905 OPS and hit seven home runs, adding offensive firepower to his already elite defense. Cubs fans have every reason to be excited about his development.
At just 22, Crow-Armstrong is emerging as a cornerstone for the Cubs’ future. The trade that brought him to Chicago, along with the moves involving Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, signaled the end of an era for the Cubs but also the beginning of a promising new chapter. With Crow-Armstrong flourishing, the Cubs’ decision to rebuild looks increasingly like the right one. His growth offers hope that brighter days are ahead for the franchise.
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