Image Source: ESPN
pca, better known as Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, has officially joined one of Major League Baseball’s most exclusive clubs. The 24-year-old became the seventh player in MLB history to record at least 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in the same season.
Crow-Armstrong reached the milestone Thursday against the Miami Marlins, stealing his 40th base in the bottom of the first inning. He had already launched 45 home runs, giving him one of the most powerful and dynamic statistical seasons in recent baseball history.
PCA Delivers a Historic 40/40 Achievement
The decisive play came after Crow-Armstrong walked to lead off the game against Marlins starter Tyler Phillips. On the first pitch to Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki, Crow-Armstrong broke for second base and successfully completed the steal.
The game paused briefly as the Wrigley Field crowd and his teammates recognized the accomplishment. The moment capped a remarkable campaign for a player who has developed into one of the National League’s most exciting stars.
Crow-Armstrong now joins an elite group featuring Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani. Canseco was the first to achieve the feat in 1988, while Ohtani most recently reached the mark in 2024.
- Jose Canseco: 1988
- Barry Bonds: 1996
- Alex Rodriguez: 1998
- Alfonso Soriano: 2006
- Ronald Acuna Jr.: 2023
- Shohei Ohtani: 2024
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: 2026
A Rare Power-Speed Combination
The achievement is even more impressive because Crow-Armstrong has reached 45 home runs, not merely the required 40. According to ESPN, he is only the third player in MLB history to finish a season with at least 45 home runs and 40 stolen bases.
That smaller group includes Soriano and Ohtani, two players celebrated for their rare combination of power and speed. Crow-Armstrong’s production places him alongside some of the most complete offensive players of the modern era.
The Cubs star had already crossed the 30-home-run, 30-stolen-base threshold earlier this season for the second consecutive year. However, his late-season surge has taken his performance to another level. His 45 home runs are a career high, surpassing the 31 he hit last season, while his 40 stolen bases also mark a personal best after he stole 35 bases in 2025.
Why Crow-Armstrong’s Breakout Matters
Crow-Armstrong entered the season as one of Chicago’s most important young players, but his production has turned him into a leading National League MVP candidate. His ability to change games with one swing or one aggressive trip around the bases has made him a centerpiece of the Cubs’ postseason hopes.
His 40/40 season also provides a major boost to a Chicago lineup preparing for October baseball. The Cubs can now rely on a player who combines elite defensive ability in center field with game-changing speed and power at the plate.
Teammate Nico Hoerner praised Crow-Armstrong for the way he handled the growing attention surrounding the milestone. “It’s an incredible accomplishment,” Hoerner said, noting that the fans and players had been aware of the pursuit while allowing Crow-Armstrong to stay focused.
That composure has been a defining part of the season. Rather than chasing the numbers, Crow-Armstrong continued producing in key situations. The result is a historic season that has strengthened his MVP case and elevated his reputation across baseball.
What Comes Next for the Cubs Star?
With the 40/40 milestone secured, attention will now shift to Crow-Armstrong’s impact in the postseason. The Cubs will hope his elite athleticism can translate into October success, where a stolen base, extra-base hit or defensive play can completely change a series.
For now, Crow-Armstrong has earned his place in baseball history. His season is not only a personal breakthrough but also a defining moment for the Cubs, who have watched one of their young stars become one of the sport’s most explosive all-around players.
What does PCA stand for in baseball?
PCA refers to Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Chicago Cubs center fielder. The initials are commonly used by fans and media when discussing the young star.
What milestone did Pete Crow-Armstrong reach?
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?
He reached 45 home runs and 40 stolen bases during the 2026 regular season, both career highs.
Who else has joined MLB’s 40/40 club?
The club includes Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani.
