Pete Crow-Armstrong: Age, Background & Full Bio

Pete Crow-Armstrong, often known by fans and analysts simply as PCA, is one of the most exciting young stars in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born March 25, 2002, in Sherman Oaks, California, he’s currently 23 years old, rapidly ascending as a dynamic center fielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Crow-Armstrong’s journey from a California high school standout to a top MLB talent is a story filled with talent, perseverance, and a hint of Hollywood flair — thanks to his famous family.
Early Life & Family
Pete was born into a unique blend of athletics and entertainment:
Mom: Ashley Crow
Pete’s mother is actress Ashley Crow, known for her roles on TV and especially for playing the mom of the young team owner in the 1994 baseball film Little Big League.
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Ashley Crow’s acting career includes appearances in shows like Heroes and films such as Minority Report.
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Growing up, Pete credits both his mom and dad — also an actor — for encouraging his athletic pursuits.
This rare mix of Hollywood and baseball made for an interesting upbringing and helped shape Pete’s confidence on and off the field.
Education & Pre-MLB Career
High School: Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles)
Pete Crow-Armstrong attended Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles, a fertile talent pipeline for future pro athletes.
While he did not attend college on a traditional baseball scholarship, his performance in high school caught NFL and MLB scouts’ eyes alike.
Drafted Professionally — Skipping College Ball
In the 2020 MLB Draft, Pete was a hot-prospect and was selected 19th overall in the first round by the New York Mets.
He signed with the Mets and took his first big step toward the majors, earning a significant signing bonus before the pandemic briefly sidelined all minor league playing time.
MLB Career Path
Pro Debut & Trade
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Although signed by the New York Mets in 2020, Pete didn’t play in the minors that year due to COVID-19 cancellations.
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In July 2021, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs in a blockbuster deal.
MLB Debut
Pete made his MLB debut on September 11, 2023, with the Cubs at age 21 — his first official taste of big-league action.
His speed, defense, and raw potential quickly drew attention, especially when he hit his first major league home run in 2024.
Breakout — 30-30 Season
In the 2025 season, Pete became one of the standout performers for Chicago:
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He reached the rare 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases milestone, joining an elite group of MLB players.
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He also earned his first Gold Glove Award in 2025 for exceptional defense.
This breakout year cemented his reputation as one of baseball’s most exciting young stars.
Salary & Earnings
Although official MLB salary details evolve each season, the early career earnings and bonuses give a solid picture of Pete’s financial standing:
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Signing Bonus: Around $3.4 million when drafted by the Mets in 2020.
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2025 Contract: As a pre-arbitration player with the Cubs, his salary is typically set at league minimum or modest scale figures; some estimates suggest around $771,000 for the 2025 season.
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Net Worth & Endorsements: Estimated overall career earnings and endorsements suggest cumulative value over $5 million.
With future arbitration eligibility and free agency on the horizon, his salary could grow significantly if performance trends continue.
Playing Style & Skills
Pete Crow-Armstrong has quickly made a name for himself with:
Speed & Defense
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Known as an elite defender in center field, with outstanding route-running and glove coverage.
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His sprint speed ranks among the fastest in the majors.
Hitting & Steals
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Reached 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season — a rare achievement.
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Consistent offensive production with a mix of power and speed helps him stand out.
College: Did He Attend One?
Unlike many MLB stars, Pete did not play college baseball. Instead, he made the jump directly from high school to pro ball — a route often taken by elite talents.
His prep pedigree at Harvard-Westlake was key to getting drafted and beginning his professional career.
Career Stats (Summary)
Here’s a snapshot of Pete’s MLB performance:
| Category | Career (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Batting Avg | ~.240 |
| Home Runs | 41 |
| RBIs | 143 |
| Stolen Bases | 64 |
| OPS | .722 |
| Stats approximate based on available data. |
Why Pete Crow-Armstrong Matters in Baseball
Pete’s rise is meaningful for several reasons:
- High draft pick success story after being a top-tier prospect.
- Rare 30-30 club achievement, highlighting offensive and base-running excellence.
- Gold Glove recognition reflects elite defensive value.
- Youthful breakout at age 23, marking him as a future long-term franchise piece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is Pete Crow-Armstrong?
A: Pete Crow-Armstrong was born on March 25, 2002, making him 23 years old as of 2026.
Q2: Who is Pete Crow-Armstrong’s mom?
A: His mother is actress Ashley Crow, known for her role in Little Big League and TV shows like Heroes.
Q3: Did Pete Crow-Armstrong go to college?
A: No — he was drafted straight out of Harvard-Westlake High School in the 2020 MLB Draft and signed with the New York Mets.
Q4: What is Pete Crow-Armstrong’s salary?
A: As of 2025, Pete is in his pre-arbitration phase with the Cubs, earning around $770,000 — plus a multi-million dollar signing bonus from 2020.
Q5: What position does he play?
A: He is an MLB center fielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Q6: What are his career highlights?
A: A 30-30 season, Gold Glove Award, and being a young all-around star in the majors.
Conclusion
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s story is one of rapid ascension — from top high school prospect to a cornerstone player in the major leagues by his early 20s. With a Hollywood-linked upbringing, elite athleticism, and standout 2025 season performances, PCA is poised to remain a central figure in MLB headlines for years to come.
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