​BALTIMORE — Pete Crow-Armstrong isn’t showing any signs of cooling off at the plate. Crow-Armstrong became the first hitter this season to reach at least 20 home runs and 20 steals, belting a third-inning homer to put the Chicago Cubs on top against the Orioles at Camden Yards on Wednesday night. The 24-year-old center fielder later added another blast in the fifth off Orioles ace Dean Kremer, marking his second multi-homer game of the year.
Crow-Armstrong’s two-homer performance solidified his status as a rare offensive force in the majors. He became the first Cub to post back-to-back 20-20 seasons since Sammy Sosa, who achieved the feat in three straight campaigns from 1993 to 1995, and he joined Sosa and Ryne Sandberg as the only Cubs players with multiple 20-20 seasons. Notably, he accomplished this feat before the All-Star break for the second consecutive season, underscoring the sustained impact of his bat and speed.
This season, Crow-Armstrong has climbed into elite company in MLB history by reaching 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases before his team’s 95th game, a mark he first hit last year in 73 games and then surpassed again this year by the Cubs’ 92nd game on Wednesday. He now shares a lineage with Alfonso Soriano (2002-03, 2006), Jose Canseco (1988, 1998), and Bobby Bonds (1969, 1973, 1977), all listed among the select few to produce 20-20 seasons in the majors.
As of Wednesday’s game, Crow-Armstrong’s advanced metrics place him in a class with the top hitters in baseball. He owns a 5.8 fWAR, the highest among all big-league players, while his slash line stands at an impressive .297/.385/.544. The stat line features 21 home runs, 14 doubles, four triples, 52 RBIs, 23 stolen bases, and 59 runs scored, illustrating a stellar combination of power, speed, and run production.
Crow-Armstrong’s performance continues to draw attention as the Cubs navigate the season. He has become a central figure in Chicago’s lineup, delivering clutch power and game-changing baserunning that lift the team in tight moments and help build the lineup’s overall balance. His ongoing progression at the plate suggests a trajectory that could shape the Cubs’ strategy in the months ahead, as managers weigh his multifaceted contributions against the evolving roster dynamics.
In addition to his prolific offense, Crow-Armstrong’s presence in center field has provided the Cubs with solid defense and a platform for running the bases aggressively. His ability to impact the game beyond just traditional stats—combining power, speed, and a patient, productive approach at the plate—has made him one of the most dynamic players in the league this season. With his latest two-homer performance, he reaffirmed his status as a cornerstone of Chicago’s lineup and a player whose performances will likely continue to influence the Cubs’ fortunes as the schedule unfolds.