Cubs Should Try to Extend Pete Crow-Armstrong Early

AP Photo/Eugene HoshikoAmong several standout performers in spring training, Pete Crow-Armstrong stood out. The center fielder caught glowing reviews as though they were line drives, including high praise from new Cubs first base coach Quintin Berry, who joked that Crow-Armstrong is the best player he’s ever seen. While it may be hyperbole, people are noticing his incredible talent.

Crow-Armstrong has always been known for his elite defense and electric speed, traits that give him a nice floor of around 3 fWAR. He nearly reached that level last season despite getting only 410 plate appearances and dealing with a slow start that ended with him at an 87 wRC+ after a strong second half. He’ll…