The MLB season has produced a historic performance from Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has joined Hall of Famer Willie Mays as one of the only players in the past 100 years to rank among the top five in home runs, triples, and stolen bases in a single season.
Crow-Armstrong, a 2025 Gold Glove winner and National League MVP contender, has emerged as one of baseball’s most dynamic players. He currently ranks second among all MLB players with 39 home runs while also sitting fourth in triples and fifth in stolen bases.
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Crow-Armstrong making baseball history
MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants
Jun 14, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) looks on while batting against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Crow-Armstrong is tied with Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez for fourth in MLB with seven triples and has stolen 32 bases this season. His power-speed combination has put him in extremely rare company, with Mays previously standing alone as the only player to accomplish the feat over the past century.
The 24-year-old has also produced several memorable moments during an outstanding campaign. In late August, Crow-Armstrong became just the fourth player in Cubs history to record a three-homer game and hit for the cycle in the same season when he launched three home runs during Chicago’s 17-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
His overall offensive numbers have continued to climb. Through 141 games, Crow-Armstrong is batting a career-best .280 with a .375 on-base percentage and .946 OPS, both of which are also career highs.
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MVP race heating up
Crow-Armstrong’s historic season has put him firmly into the National League MVP conversation. He is widely viewed as the strongest challenger to Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani for the award, setting up a fascinating race down the stretch.
The Cubs have plenty to play for as well. Chicago enters Friday with a 79-62 record and holds the National League’s second Wild Card position, sitting five games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks and just a half-game behind the Phillies.
The Cubs trail the Milwaukee Brewers by five games in the NL Central and will begin a three-game series against the Miami Marlins in Miami on Friday. With the postseason approaching, Crow-Armstrong’s historic production could be crucial to Chicago’s hopes of making a deep October run.
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