Former New York Mets general manager Zack Scott recently reflected on a high-profile trade with the Chicago Cubs that now appears lopsided in hindsight. Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was dealt to Chicago in the 2021 trade that brought All-Star Javy Báez to New York, has quickly emerged as a breakout star. In just 41 games this season, Crow-Armstrong has already hit 10 home runs something he didn’t achieve until his 110th game last year.
Originally drafted 19th overall by the Mets in 2020, Crow-Armstrong was known for his defense, speed, and character but not his power. Now, the 22-year-old is proving doubters wrong by becoming a legitimate five-tool player for a Cubs team that’s leading the NL Central.
Scott, who executed the trade while serving as interim GM, admitted this week on SNY that the Mets misjudged Crow-Armstrong’s offensive ceiling. “The big thing was the bat,” he said. “We loved the defense, the makeup, the speed—but we didn’t see this kind of power coming.”
At the time of the trade, the Mets were in first place and looking for a short-term boost to their lineup. Báez delivered solid numbers in his 47 games with the team, including a 140 OPS+ and strong defense, but the Mets missed the playoffs and Báez signed with Detroit in free agency after the season.
Scott, who had also been with the Red Sox front office during the 2020 draft, acknowledged the industry at large may have underestimated Crow-Armstrong. The Red Sox passed on him as well, selecting Nick Yorke instead. Yorke is now struggling at the Triple-A level with the Pirates organization.
Scott deserves credit for owning the misjudgment publicly, even if he’d prefer to move on. As he posted on Twitter/X, “Hopefully this is the last time I speak on this topic.”
