Chicago, IL – In a thrilling early‑innings display at Wrigley Field, Cubs outfielder Pete Crow‑Armstrong secured his place in baseball history. After drawing a leadoff walk from Marlins pitcher Tyler Phillips, Crow‑Armstrong sprinted to second base on the very next pitch, marking his 40th stolen base of the 2026 season.
Historic 40‑40 Milestone
The feat places Crow‑Armstrong among an exclusive group of MLB players who have combined at least 40 home runs with 40 steals in a single campaign. He joins Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., Jose Canseco, Alfonso Soriano, Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds. Ohtani’s 2024 season produced 54 homers and 59 steals, while Acuña’s 2023 campaign featured 41 homers and 73 steals.
Season Highlights and Impact
At 24 years old, Crow‑Armstrong has already hit 45 home runs, a new career high, and is batting near the top of the league in both power and speed categories. His aggressive baserunning has helped the Cubs maintain a competitive edge in the National League Central, contributing to a strong offensive rhythm that has energized the fan base.
Fans responded with a chorus of “MVP” chants as the Wrigley Field videoboard highlighted the milestone, underscoring the excitement surrounding a player who many consider a leading candidate for the NL Most Valuable Player award.
Comparisons to Past 40‑40 Players
While the 40‑40 club remains a rarity, each member has left a distinct mark on the game. Jose Canseco was the first to achieve the milestone in 1988 with the Oakland Athletics. Alfonso Soriano accomplished it in 2006 with Washington, Alex Rodriguez in 1998 with Seattle, and Barry Bonds in 1996 with San Francisco. Crow‑Armstrong’s entry adds a new generation to this elite list, highlighting the evolving blend of power and speed in modern baseball.
Looking Ahead
With the Cubs’ schedule featuring key series against division rivals, Crow‑Armstrong’s dual threat of power hitting and baserunning will be a focal point for the team’s strategy. The club’s management has emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced lineup that can capitalize on his abilities both at the plate and on the bases.
As the season progresses, the baseball community will watch closely to see if Crow‑Armstrong can extend his historic performance and potentially set new benchmarks for future players aspiring to join the 40‑40 club.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
