Pete Crow-Armstrong makes Cubs, MLB history by joining 40-HR club

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pete Crow-Armstrong makes Cubs, MLB history by joining 40-HR club

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Sep 6, 2026 11:02 PM ET

Furthering his MVP case, Pete Crow-Armstrong made history in multiple ways despite the Chicago Cubs' loss on Sunday.

Even though it didn't end up making a difference in the game, as the Miami Marlins took care of the Cubs 10-3, Crow-Armstrong took his 2026 season to a new level with one swing of the bat.

Pete Crow-Armstrong joined the 40-HR club on Sunday

His solo shot to deep right field tied in the top of the fifth inning was his 40th of the season.

Now at 40, Crow-Armstrong has accomplished more than just extending his career-high — his previous best was the 31 he hit last season. He's now two away from tying Billy Williams' 1970 mark for the franchise record for the most home runs in a season by a left-handed hitter.

Crow-Armstrong reached multiple levels of Cubs, MLB history with one swing

But that's not all. Crow-Armstrong is just five from breaking the legendary Ernie Banks' Cubs record for the most homers by a player 24-years-old or younger. Banks connected on 44 in 1956.

40 HOME RUNS FOR PETE CROW-ARMSTRONG pic.twitter.com/iL6zWJ2zUK
— MLB (@MLB) September 6, 2026

And the most impressive achievement of all, Crow-Armstrong adding 40 homers to his 30 plus stolen bases makes him one of only four players in MLB history to ever get to both milestones in a season, joining the likes of current Atlanta Brave Ronald Acuña Jr. (2019), Alex Rodriguez (1998) and José Canseco (1988).

Crow-Armstrong has a strong argument to be named the National League MVP

Through 544 at-bats in 144 games, Crow-Armstrong's body of work is already a season most players can only dream of putting together, and one that argues as being the front-runner in the National League MVP race. He now has 96 RBI, one more than from all of 2025, 106 runs scored, 28 doubles, seven triples, 33 stolen bases and a slash line of .280/.374/.572.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

More must-reads: