Image Source: MLB.com
Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a powerful case for a place in Chicago Cubs history. One night after recording the first three-homer game of his career, the dynamic center fielder launched another leadoff home run Sunday night against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.
The blast continued one of the most impressive power surges in Major League Baseball this season. Crow-Armstrong turned on a 98.9 mph fastball from Reds right-hander Chase Burns and sent it over the right-field wall. According to Statcast, the ball left his bat at 108 mph.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Delivers Another Explosive Leadoff Homer
The home run was the ninth leadoff homer of the season for Crow-Armstrong, placing him second on the Cubsā single-season list. Only Alfonso Soriano has more, hitting 12 leadoff home runs for Chicago in 2007.
Crow-Armstrongās recent production has been particularly remarkable. Six of his nine leadoff homers have come during the current month, putting him within striking distance of the Major League record for leadoff home runs in a single month.
Kyle Schwarber and Soriano share that record, with seven leadoff homers apiece in one month. Crow-Armstrongās latest shot means he needs only one more to match that historic mark.
The Cubs starās home run also came less than 24 hours after he blasted three home runs in a single game. That performance reportedly came at the request of former Cubs great Sammy Sosa, adding another memorable detail to an already extraordinary stretch.
A Historic Power Surge on the North Side
Crow-Armstrong now has 37 home runs this season, placing him just three away from a milestone that has been reached only once by a left-handed hitter in Cubs history. Billy Williams hit 42 home runs in 1970, the only time a left-handed Chicago hitter has reached 40 homers in a season.
With the way Crow-Armstrong has been swinging, that record is suddenly within view. His 30 home runs since the start of June are six more than any other Major Leaguer during that span, according to MLB.comās statistical coverage.
- 37 home runs this season
- 32 stolen bases
- Nine leadoff home runs
- Six leadoff homers this month
- 30 home runs since the start of June
That combination of speed and power has transformed Crow-Armstrong into one of baseballās most exciting players. His production is no longer limited to elite defense and aggressive baserunning. He has become a consistent middle-of-the-order threat while still providing the athleticism expected from a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder.
Can Crow-Armstrong Reach the 40-40 Club?
The Cubs outfielder also has a legitimate chance to complete a rare 40-40 season. With 37 homers and 32 stolen bases, Crow-Armstrong needs only three more home runs and eight additional steals to reach the prestigious benchmark.
The 40-40 club has been reached only six times in MLB history. Shohei Ohtani was the most recent player to accomplish the feat, doing so in 2024. Reaching those totals would place Crow-Armstrong alongside some of the gameās most explosive offensive players.
His current campaign has already broken new ground for the Cubs. Crow-Armstrong became the first player in franchise history to record 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in consecutive seasons. He also joined Sosa as just the second player in team history to produce two 30-30 seasons.
MVP Buzz Builds Around the Cubs Star
The growing MVP discussion surrounding Crow-Armstrong is no surprise. His offensive breakout, defensive value and baserunning impact have combined to make him one of the most complete players in the National League.
MVP chants have become increasingly common at Wrigley Field, and those cheers grew louder after his latest leadoff homer. The Cubs are benefiting from his production at the top of the lineup, where he regularly creates immediate pressure for opposing pitchers.
For Chicago, Crow-Armstrongās emergence could signal the arrival of a new franchise centerpiece. His age, athletic profile and improving power give the Cubs a player capable of influencing games in multiple ways for years to come.
The chase for 40 home runs, 40 stolen bases and more entries in the Cubs record book is now underway. If this torrid stretch continues, Crow-Armstrong may not simply be having a breakout seasonāhe may be building one of the most memorable campaigns in recent franchise history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many home runs does Pete Crow-Armstrong have this season?
Pete Crow-Armstrong has 37 home runs this season following his latest leadoff blast against the Cincinnati Reds.
How many stolen bases does Crow-Armstrong have?
He has 32 stolen bases, putting him on pace to challenge for a rare 40-40 season.
How many leadoff home runs has he hit?
Crow-Armstrong has hit nine leadoff home runs this season, second-most in Cubs history behind Alfonso Sorianoās 12 in 2007.
Has a Cubs player reached 40-40 before?
The source report does not identify a Cubs player who has completed a 40-40 season. Crow-Armstrong is currently pursuing the milestone with 37 homers and 32 steals.
Why is Crow-Armstrong receiving MVP attention?
His MVP case is fueled by elite power, speed, defense and his growing impact at the top of the Cubs lineup.
