Trades in baseball can be wild, but for Pete Crow-Armstrong, his trade from the New York Mets to the Chicago Cubs in 2021 took him completely by surprise.

Imagine getting traded while recovering from an injury and finding out not from the team but from a FaceTime call with a teammate.

That’s exactly what happened to Pete, and his story is as unexpected as it gets.

Now, a couple of years later, Pete is a rising star with the Cubs, showing off his skills and proving that sometimes a shocking trade can lead to something great.

Let’s dive into how it all went down and what he’s been up to since.

The Unexpected News: “I Thought It Was a Joke”

In a recent interview with Chris Rose on the Rose Rotation, Pete Crow-Armstrong opened up about the moment he learned of his trade.

He revealed that, at the time, he had been recovering from a shoulder injury, not expecting to be part of any trade talks.

“I didn’t feel like I was a part of any trade talks that I had seen on TV or anything like that. Because I was hurt during that time. I had a sling on my shoulder. … I thought it was a joke,” Crow-Armstrong recalled.

Pete Crow-Armstrong thought it was a joke when he was first told that the Mets traded him pic.twitter.com/W68OZCiUjA

— Chris Rose Sports (@ChrisRoseSports) September 16, 2024

Funnily enough, he found out the news from a Mets teammate, Mark Vientos, during a FaceTime call.

Pete and Mark had thought Vientos might be traded, so they agreed to call each other if anything major happened.

But during the call, things got awkward when someone in the background of the Mets clubhouse said, “Pete Crow just got traded?”

That’s when Pete realized the news was about him. He started getting notifications on his phone, confirming he was headed to the Cubs.

Reflecting on that day, Pete made it clear that he had no hard feelings toward the Mets: “I don’t want to put the Mets on blast because I loved my time there.”

The Trade That Redefined the Cubs’ Rebuild

The trade that brought Pete Crow-Armstrong to the Cubs was part of a major shakeup for Chicago in 2021.

In that pivotal move, the Cubs traded beloved star Javier Báez and pitcher Trevor Williams to the Mets in exchange for Crow-Armstrong.

According to MLB.com, Crow-Armstrong was the Mets’ fifth-best prospect at the time and was highly regarded for his defensive abilities and future potential.

That summer, the Cubs made several major moves, including trading key players like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.

In a clear turning point, the team was moving away from the core group that led them to their first World Series win 108 years back in 2016.

Javier Báez, in particular, had been a fan favorite with an impressive resume that included a World Series title, a National League Championship Series MVP, and two All-Star selections.

Despite this, he only played 47 games for the Mets before moving on to the Detroit Tigers, where he has struggled in recent seasons, batting just .184 in 2023.

For Pete, though, the trade gave him a fresh start, and he quickly showed the Cubs they made the right choice.

Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Growth with the Cubs

Since joining the Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong has become a key team player.

In the 2023 season, the 22-year-old outfielder put up impressive numbers, batting .239/.290/.404 with 10 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases.

His speed, defensive skills, and improving hitting made him a valuable part of the team’s lineup.

But Pete’s progress was especially noticeable in August and September of 2023, where he hit .314 and .289, respectively.

By the end of the season, Pete had become the only rookie in the league to hit 10 home runs and steal 25 bases.

While Crow-Armstrong is still developing, particularly in terms of his offensive consistency—he often bats eighth in the Cubs’ lineup—his potential is clear.

At this stage, his exceptional defense and growing prowess at the plate make him a valuable part of the Cubs’ future plans.

Despite the Mets’ high hopes for him as part of their future, Crow-Armstrong has found his stride in Chicago, proving that the Cubs made a wise investment.

Today, Crow-Armstrong is a rising star for the Chicago Cubs and an important building block for their future.

Interestingly, his unexpected trade story and development show just how unpredictable Major League Baseball trades can be. It also highlights the importance of perseverance when dealing with uncertainty.

As Crow-Armstrong continues refining his skills, Cubs fans have plenty of reason to be excited about the future.

New York Jets’ Jermaine Johnson suffers a season-ending Achilles injury during a 24-17 win over the Titans.

With the Jets’ defensive line weakened, how will they handle their upcoming games, and will this affect the Haason Reddick holdout?

Let’s find out.

Jermaine Johnson’s Achilles Injury Ends His Season

On social media Monday, New York Jets’ Jermaine Johnson confirmed that his right Achilles is torn, meaning he will miss the rest of the season.

Johnson, one of the Jets’ rising stars, suffered the injury during their 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans.

In his post, Johnson said, “This is not a dark time for me, although there will be dark days ahead.” And his optimism shines through despite the tough situation, which is commendable.

Thank everyone for all the prayers and support! This is not a dark time for me ,although there will be dark days ahead, this is Gods way for me to not only grow as a man, person and player but to also inspire others to as well!! 11 will be back and better, BOOK IT????… pic.twitter.com/DZm2fy6ggQ

— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) September 16, 2024

Head coach Robert Saleh expressed deep concern post-game, saying, “It’s unfortunately looking like that,” referring to the feared Achilles tear.

Johnson, who had made the Pro Bowl the previous season as an injury replacement, went down in the third quarter while attempting to sack Titans quarterback Will Levis.

The non-contact injury occurred during a pass rush, and teammates gathered around him as medical staff brought out the injury cart.

Johnson, popular among his teammates, was clearly emotional after the injury, with a towel covering his head as he was carted off the field.

Of course, the scene shook the team, with many expressing their heartbreak.

“My heart kind of dropped a little bit,” said quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had experienced a similar Achilles injury in 2023.

He added, “He’s a young player. He’ll have a long career, and there are a lot of great people to take care of him.”

Johnson’s Emotional Response and Hope for Recovery

Despite the tough situation, Johnson shared an inspiring message on social media, confirming his Achilles tear but staying positive.

“Thank everyone for all the prayers and support! This is not a dark time for me, although there will be dark days ahead, this is God’s way for me to not only grow as a man, person, and player but also to inspire others as well!! 11 will be back and better, BOOK IT,” Johnson wrote.

As we discussed earlier, the injury happened during a pass-rush attempt, and Johnson later said he initially thought someone had stepped on his foot. After watching the replay, he realized it was a non-contact injury.

While Johnson admitted to shedding some tears, he remained hopeful and said he’d bounce back after a brief mourning period.

Undoubtedly, the injury has left the Jets with a massive void on their defensive line, as Johnson was expected to play a major role in the team’s pass-rushing strategy.

This loss, coupled with an already depleted defense, raises serious concerns for the team moving forward.

Defensive Adjustments and Haason Reddick Holdout Complications

With Johnson officially out for the season, the Jets now face an even bigger challenge in maintaining their defensive strength.

As a result, the setback increases the urgency of resolving Haason Reddick’s contract holdout.

The veteran edge rusher has been holding out, missing all of training camp and the offseason as he pushes for a better deal.

Reddick, who has 58 career sacks, was expected to be a part of the Jets’ defense this season.

And he was supposed to be a big part of the Jets’ defense, especially with Johnson.

But since Reddick hasn’t been playing, the Jets have relied on other guys, like first-round pick Will McDonald, who had a huge game against the Titans with three sacks, matching his total from last year.

Coach Saleh praised McDonald’s performance, saying, “If he continues to develop like that, he could be a double-digit sack guy in this league.”

While McDonald stepped up, Johnson’s injury could push the Jets to end the holdout with Reddick, as they need more help on the defensive line.

It’s now up to General Manager Joe Douglas to either get Reddick back on the field or find another solution.

Additional Injuries Piling Up for Jets’ Defense

Johnson’s injury wasn’t the only setback for the Jets. Linebacker C.J. Mosley left in the second quarter with a toe injury and didn’t return. And, naturally, Coach Saleh hopes Mosley will be ready for the Jets’ next game against the New England Patriots.

On top of that, cornerback D.J. Reed was a late scratch due to a knee issue, leaving the defense even more short-handed.

Despite all these injuries, the Jets’ defense still delivered. McDonald shined with his three sacks, and Solomon Thomas added another.

In a key moment, safety Tony Adams helped seal the win by breaking up a critical pass from Titans QB Will Levis in the game’s final moments.

As you can imagine, Coach Saleh was proud of how his players kept fighting despite losing some key players.

“The resilience of the guys to put it to the side for the last quarter and do what we needed to do,” he said after the game.

Managing Injuries and Contract Negotiations

With Jermaine Johnson officially out for the season, the Jets have some tough decisions ahead.

Johnson’s absence leaves a massive hole in their defensive line, and this could force the Jets to accelerate contract talks with Haason Reddick or look for other solutions to keep their pass rush strong.

Their next game is against the New England Patriots, and they’ll need to regroup quickly. Even if they sign Reddick soon, he’ll unlikely be ready to play in time.

The Jets also hope C.J. Mosley and D.J. Reed will be healthy enough to return for the game.

Aside from the injuries, the Jets’ defense showed they can step up when needed, and they’ll need that same determination moving forward.

Calisthenics might sound like an old-school term your grandpa used for staying fit, but it’s making a serious comeback today.

The beauty of calisthenics lies in the fact that you don’t need any equipment. But more importantly, it helps you get strong, flexible, and toned simply by using your own body.

So, today, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from basic exercises to the benefits and even the best way to fuel your body for these workouts.

What is Calisthenics?

Calisthenics are simple exercises that use your body weight as resistance. They help you build muscle, endurance, and flexibility.

Movements include basic exercises like bending, stretching, twisting, and jumping, as well as familiar bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and chin-ups.

You can do them almost anywhere, with or without equipment like bars or rings, and adjust the intensity to match your fitness level.

Interestingly, thanks to German gymnasts and fitness enthusiasts, calisthenics became popular in the 19th century.

Catherine Beecher, a U.S. advocate, promoted it for women, but soon, it became a go-to workout for both men and women worldwide.

By the 20th century, schools and the military regularly used calisthenics for physical training.

Benefits of Calisthenics: Why You Should Try It

When it comes to working out, calisthenics offers a ton of benefits that make it worth adding to your routine.

Here’s why you should give it a try!

Build Strength and Endurance

The main benefit of calisthenics is using your body weight to get stronger.

When it comes to building strength, exercises like push-ups and pull-ups are fantastic for your upper body, while squats and lunges do wonders for your legs.

Essentially, the more reps you can do, the more endurance you’ll build, helping you push yourself even further.

Improve Flexibility and Coordination

Perhaps the greatest thing about calisthenics is that most exercises use multiple muscle groups, which helps improve flexibility and balance.

For instance, moves like jumping jacks or lunges stretch your muscles and enhance your body’s coordination.

Supports Heart Health

Since calisthenics keeps your heart rate up, it’s a great way to benefit your cardiovascular health.

For example, jump squats and burpees really get your heart pumping and improve your endurance, strengthening your heart and lungs.

Plus, research shows that high-intensity calisthenics can even lower the risk of heart disease.

8 Simple Calisthenics Exercises for a Full-Body Workout

Here’s a quick and easy workout you can try. Do this circuit three times, resting for 30 seconds between each exercise and three minutes between each round.

1. Pull-Ups (10 Reps)

Pull-ups target your back, arms, and shoulders. If they’re too challenging, use a resistance band for assistance.

2. Chin-Ups (10 Reps)

Chin-ups are similar to pull-ups, but use an underhand grip, focusing more on your biceps and chest.

3. Dips (20 Reps)

Dips work your triceps and chest. Lower and lift your body using your arms; a bench or bar works well if you don’t have equipment.

4. Jump Squats (25 Reps)

Jump squats are explosive moves that build leg strength and increase your heart rate. Ensure your knees don’t extend past your toes.

5. Push-Ups (20 Reps)

Push-ups are a classic upper-body exercise that strengthens your chest, shoulders, and core. If necessary, you can try modified push-ups on your knees.

6. Crunches (50 Reps)

Crunches target your abs by lifting your shoulders off the ground. Focus on engaging your core as you lift.

7. Burpees (10 Reps)

Burpees are a full-body exercise that combines a squat, push-up, and jump, challenging both your strength and cardio fitness.

8. Jump Rope (30 Seconds)

Jump rope is a quick and effective way to boost your heart rate while enhancing coordination and endurance.

Calisthenics and Nutrition: Eating to Fuel Your Workouts

Calories are units of energy, and macronutrients (also known as macros) are what give you those calories. The three types of macros are carbs, fats, and proteins. And each one gives a different amount of energy:

• 1 gram of carbs = 4 calories
• 1 gram of fat = 9 calories
• 1 gram of protein = 4 calories

Without a doubt, getting the right balance of these is key for fueling your workouts and hitting your fitness goals.

Your calorie intake should match your goals. For instance, if you want to maintain weight, eat the same calories you burn.

If you burn 2,000 calories a day and exercise, you might need a bit more on active days and less on rest days.

The best way is to track it over a week instead of worrying about it every single day.

Want to Gain or Lose Weight? Here’s How:

• To gain weight: Eat more calories than you burn. If you need 2,500 calories daily, try to eat around 2,750–3,000 to build muscle.
• To lose weight: Create a calorie deficit by eating less than you burn. If your body needs 2,000 calories a day and you eat 1,500, you’ll start burning fat for energy.

Best Macro Distribution for Muscle Growth

For muscle gain, aim to eat enough protein—around 1.5–3 grams per kilogram of body weight.

For example, if you weigh 75 kg, you’ll need about 150 grams of protein per day, which is equivalent to 600 calories.

Then, fill the rest of your daily calorie needs with fats and carbs.

Make Calisthenics Part of Your Fitness Journey

As we’ve seen today, calisthenics is a great workout option for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a fitness pro, mainly as it requires no equipment and can be done almost anywhere.

Not to mention, you can adjust the difficulty as you improve, making it a versatile and effective way to build strength, flexibility, and endurance.

To maximize your results, consider pairing your workout with a balanced diet that fuels your body.

However, if you’re unsure where to start, you could check with a healthcare professional for a personalized plan.

Just stick with it, and you’ll start seeing results in no time!