CHICAGO – In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs has officially joined the prestigious 40-40 club this season. The young star achieved this milestone by stealing his 40th base against the Miami Marlins on Thursday, solidifying his status as one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting talents.
Crow-Armstrong, a leading candidate for the National League MVP award, has become only the seventh player in MLB history to record at least 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. This elite group includes renowned players such as Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves. The first player to achieve this feat was Jose Canseco in 1988 while playing for the Oakland Athletics.
During a recent game against the Cincinnati Reds, Crow-Armstrong hit his 45th homer, setting a new career high. The 24-year-old showcased his speed and agility by drawing a leadoff walk from pitcher Tyler Phillips in the first inning and promptly stealing second base on the very next pitch thrown to teammate Seiya Suzuki. As he accomplished this significant milestone, fans at Wrigley Field erupted in chants of “MVP,” while the stadium’s videoboard celebrated his achievement.
Prior to Crow-Armstrong, the last player to enter the 40-40 club was Ohtani, who had an extraordinary 2024 season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. Acuña also had a phenomenal year in 2023, finishing with 41 home runs and an impressive 73 stolen bases.
Other notable players who have reached the 40-40 milestone include Alfonso Soriano in 2006 with the Washington Nationals, Alex Rodriguez in 1998 with the Seattle Mariners, and Barry Bonds in 1996 with the San Francisco Giants.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on Crow-Armstrong as he strives to enhance his legacy and make a strong case for the MVP award. His combination of power and speed not only makes him a thrilling player to watch but also a vital asset to the Cubs’ lineup.
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