USA's Pete Crow-Armstrong, who stunned scouts and fans during the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2019 in Gijang, Korea with amazing athleticism in centre field, has now earned an invitation to the New York Mets 2021 Spring Training.
"I didn't have any expectation of being here, and I'm grateful to the Mets for giving me the opportunity," the 19-year-old told MLB.com. "I'm here to learn as much as I can each day. It's a great opportunity for someone in my position."
The left-handed outfielder made his debut on 2 March, striking out against the Houston Astros, and has so far appeared in 10 games.
"I didn't think I'd be playing games this soon," Crow-Armstrong added." The first few games were surreal. It was my first time on a big league field in a big league uniform. Sitting there in the dugout and looking at Major Leaguers is an unbelievable feeling. I'm using it to my advantage…seeing how they react to things and asking as many questions as I can. I love the atmosphere and interaction. It's great."
Crow-Armstrong, the son of actors Matthew John Armstrong and Ashley Crow, who also represented his country at the U-12 and U-15 levels, contributed to USA's silver medal in Gjiang and was subsequently voted to the WBSC U-18 All-World Team.
With their top pick, the New York Mets drafted Crow-Armstrong out of Harvard Westlake High School. He was the 19th overall player taken in the 2020 MLB Draft.
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He signed for the Mets on 25 June 2020 for a US$ 3,359,000 bonus but couldn't make his professional debut. The 2020 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) season was cancelled amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Crow-Armstrong is currently ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the New York Mets organization.
