Image Source: MLB.com
Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered the biggest offensive performance of his young career Saturday, launching three home runs as the Chicago Cubs overwhelmed the Cincinnati Reds, 17-5, at Wrigley Field. The explosive display added another powerful chapter to Crow-Armstrong’s remarkable 2026 season and intensified the National League MVP conversation.
The Cubs center fielder wasted no time making an impact. Leading off the bottom of the first inning, Crow-Armstrong drove a fastball from Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott into the right-center-field bleachers. One inning later, he struck again, sending an Abbott curveball off the right-field foul pole for a two-run home run.
Historic Pete Crow-Armstrong Performance Fuels MVP Push
After his first two trips to the plate, Crow-Armstrong already had two home runs and three runs batted in. He added a single in the fourth inning before completing the first three-homer game of his career in the seventh.
Facing Cincinnati reliever Tony Santillan, the 24-year-old outfielder launched a three-run shot to left-center field. The blast pushed his season total to 36 home runs and helped Chicago cruise to one of its most decisive victories of the season.
According to MLB.com, the performance also gave Crow-Armstrong his fifth game with at least 10 total bases in 2026. That tied him with Larry Walker’s 1997 season, Johnny Mize’s 1940 campaign and Jimmie Foxx’s 1933 season for the second-most such games in a year since at least 1900. Nelson Cruz holds the record with six, set in 2019.
Rare Power-Speed Numbers Put Cubs Star in Elite Company
Crow-Armstrong’s latest home run pushed him closer to one of baseball’s rarest statistical milestones. He entered the game with 35 homers and 32 stolen bases, already making him just the second Cubs player besides Sammy Sosa to record a 30-30 season.
He has now achieved that feat in consecutive seasons, joining Sosa as the only players in franchise history to do so. With more than a month remaining in the regular season, a 40-40 campaign is no longer an unrealistic possibility.
- 36 home runs in the 2026 season
- 32 stolen bases entering the game’s conclusion
- Five games with at least 10 total bases this year
- Three home runs in the first three-homer game of his career
Only six players in MLB history have reached at least 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. Shohei Ohtani was the most recent, producing a spectacular 50-50 season in 2024.
Ohtani Setback Opens Door in National League MVP Race
The timing of Crow-Armstrong’s breakout performance was especially significant. Before the Cubs took the field, news emerged that Shohei Ohtani had experienced a setback after throwing a bullpen session Friday.
Ohtani, the winner of the last two National League MVP Awards and a four-time MVP overall, has been working toward a return to the mound after dealing with a left knee issue. Earlier this season, he posted a 1.79 ERA across 14 starts, giving him a unique advantage as both an elite hitter and pitcher.
Entering Saturday’s action, Crow-Armstrong led the Majors with 8.6 Wins Above Replacement, according to FanGraphs. Ohtani ranked second at 6.9 WAR, including 4.0 offensive WAR and 2.9 pitching WAR. If Ohtani cannot resume his two-way impact, Crow-Armstrong’s case could become even more compelling.
Defensive Brilliance Separates Crow-Armstrong
While much of the MVP discussion focuses on home runs and stolen bases, Crow-Armstrong’s value extends well beyond his offensive numbers. He entered Saturday leading MLB in Fielding Run Value with 24 and ranked second in Outs Above Average with 23.
Earlier this season, he also set the career record for five-star catches during the Statcast Era, which began in 2015. His elite range, instincts and throwing ability have made him one of the most impactful defensive center fielders in the sport.
Saturday’s opening home run was Crow-Armstrong’s eighth leadoff homer of the season, tying Rick Monday’s 1976 total for the second-most in one season by a Cubs hitter. Alfonso Soriano holds Chicago’s single-season record with 12 leadoff home runs in 2007.
The Cubs crowd recognized the significance of the moment throughout the afternoon. Fans repeatedly chanted “M-V-P!” as Crow-Armstrong circled the bases. He even received a standing ovation after grounding out in the eighth inning, when Reds catcher Jose Trevino was used as a pitcher in the lopsided game.
As Chicago approaches September, the Cubs are focused on postseason positioning while Crow-Armstrong continues his remarkable individual campaign. His historic power-speed production, defensive excellence and growing influence have transformed him from a promising young player into one of the most exciting MVP candidates in baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many home runs did Pete Crow-Armstrong hit?
Pete Crow-Armstrong hit three home runs in the Cubs’ 17-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.
How many home runs and stolen bases does Crow-Armstrong have?
His three-homer performance raised his 2026 total to 36 home runs. He entered the game with 32 stolen bases.
Is Pete Crow-Armstrong a National League MVP candidate?
Yes. His offensive production, elite center-field defense and league-leading WAR have placed him firmly in the National League MVP discussion.
Has a Cubs player recorded consecutive 30-30 seasons before?
Crow-Armstrong became only the second Cubs player besides Sammy Sosa to record a 30-30 season, and he has now done it in consecutive years.
