Image Source: ESPN
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has officially entered one of baseball’s most exclusive groups. The 24-year-old made history Thursday, stealing his 40th base of the season against the Miami Marlins to become just the seventh player in MLB history to complete a 40-home-run, 40-stolen-base season.
Crow-Armstrong reached the milestone in dramatic fashion during the bottom of the first inning. After walking against Marlins starter Tyler Phillips, he immediately took off for second base on the first pitch to Chicago right fielder Seiya Suzuki. The successful steal triggered a brief pause in the game as the crowd and his teammates celebrated the achievement.
Historic Cubs Milestone: Crow-Armstrong Joins the 40/40 Club
The Cubs star entered the game with 39 stolen bases and needed only one more to join the elite 40/40 club. His 45 home runs had already placed him among the National League’s most dangerous offensive players, but the stolen base against Miami completed a season that has exceeded even the boldest expectations.
Crow-Armstrong now joins an extraordinary list of players who have combined power and speed at the highest level. The previous members of the club are:
- Jose Canseco, 1988
- Barry Bonds, 1996
- Alex Rodriguez, 1998
- Alfonso Soriano, 2006
- Ronald Acuna Jr., 2023
- Shohei Ohtani, 2024
That group includes several of the most influential and explosive players of the modern era. Crow-Armstrong’s addition is especially notable because he has gone beyond the basic 40/40 threshold. With 45 home runs, he is only the third player in MLB history to record at least 45 homers and 40 stolen bases in the same season, joining Soriano and Ohtani.
A Breakthrough Season for the Cubs Star
The achievement represents a major leap for Crow-Armstrong, who had already established himself as a valuable two-way contributor. Earlier this season, he reached the 30/30 mark for the second consecutive year. However, his 2026 campaign has taken his production to another level.
His 45 home runs are a career high, surpassing the 31 he hit last season. His 40 stolen bases also mark a personal best after he stole 35 bases in 2025. The combination has made him one of the most complete offensive players in the National League and a heavy favorite in the National League MVP conversation.
For Chicago, the moment also reinforces the Cubs’ status as one of baseball’s most exciting teams heading into the postseason. Crow-Armstrong’s speed, defensive range and improved power give the club a rare game-changing presence at the top of its lineup. Opposing pitchers must now account for his ability to change a game with one swing or one stolen base.
Teammates Celebrate an Incredible Accomplishment
Crow-Armstrong’s teammates have followed his pursuit of the 40/40 mark throughout the season. Nico Hoerner said the players and fans were aware of the chase, but praised Crow-Armstrong for handling the attention in a positive way.
“The fans are aware of it in a fun way. We’re aware of it as well,” Hoerner said, according to ESPN. “He’s handled it really well. It’s an incredible accomplishment.”
The reaction inside the stadium reflected the significance of the moment. As Crow-Armstrong stood on second base, the home crowd and Cubs players acknowledged a milestone that had not been reached by a Chicago player in the current generation.
What the 40/40 Milestone Means for Chicago
The historic season strengthens Crow-Armstrong’s case as the face of the Cubs’ next championship push. His growth from a promising young player into a power-speed threat has transformed the club’s offensive identity.
With the postseason approaching, Chicago will rely on Crow-Armstrong to continue providing pressure on the bases, extra-base power and elite defense in center field. His 40/40 season is already a landmark achievement, but the Cubs will hope it becomes the beginning of an even bigger October story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pete Crow-Armstrong accomplish?
Pete Crow-Armstrong became the seventh player in MLB history to hit at least 40 home runs and steal at least 40 bases in one season.
How many home runs and stolen bases does Crow-Armstrong have?
At the time he reached the milestone, Crow-Armstrong had 45 home runs and 40 stolen bases during the 2026 season.
Who were the previous members of the 40/40 club?
The previous members were Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani.
Why is Crow-Armstrong’s season especially rare?
He is only the third player in MLB history to combine at least 45 home runs with 40 stolen bases in a single season, joining Alfonso Soriano and Shohei Ohtani.
