Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 40th home run of the season Sunday, September 6 against the Miami Marlins, joining elite company in franchise history and putting himself within striking distance of one of baseball's most exclusive achievements—despite a lopsided 10-3 loss.

Crow-Armstrong's solo shot to right field in the top of the fifth inning off Marlins starter Tyler Phillips made him just the 10th player in Cubs history to reach the 40-home run milestone in a single season. The 24-year-old center fielder is the first Cub to accomplish the feat since Derrek Lee hit 46 home runs in 2005—coincidentally on Lee's birthday.

Seven Steals Away From History

With 33 stolen bases already in the bank, Crow-Armstrong needs just seven more to join baseball's exclusive 40-40 club, a rarified group that has only been achieved by a handful of players in MLB history. The combination of power and speed has transformed the former first-round draft pick into a legitimate National League MVP candidate.

Nine Cubs players have hit 40 or more home runs in a season before Crow-Armstrong, with Sammy Sosa doing it seven times during his 13-year tenure in Chicago. Sosa hit 50 or more home runs in four of those seasons, establishing himself as one of the premier power hitters of his era.

Individual Brilliance Amid Team Struggles

The personal milestone came on a day the Cubs would rather forget. Miami's offense exploded for 10 runs, handing Chicago a decisive defeat that snapped their recent momentum. Despite the loss, the Cubs remain firmly in playoff position with an 81-63 record, holding down one of the National League's wild card spots.

Crow-Armstrong's performance has been a bright spot throughout Chicago's 2026 campaign. Alongside third baseman Alex Bregman (24 home runs), right fielder Seiya Suzuki (24), and left fielder Ian Happ (23), the Cubs boast a formidable offensive lineup. Middle infielder Nico Hoerner, with 22 stolen bases, gives Chicago additional speed to complement Crow-Armstrong's pace on the basepaths.

The 40-40 Chase Continues

With approximately three weeks remaining in the regular season, Crow-Armstrong has ample opportunity to secure those final seven stolen bases and etch his name in baseball immortality. The achievement would not only mark a personal triumph but also provide a signature moment for a Cubs team with championship aspirations.

As Chicago heads down the stretch battling for playoff positioning, all eyes will be on their dynamic center fielder to see if he can complete the historic double. Win or lose on any given day, Crow-Armstrong's pursuit of 40-40 has given Cubs fans something special to watch as September unfolds.