PCA Gets the First 40, Another Steele Success, Alcantara at First, and Other Cubs Bullets

During Game 144 of the 2026 season, Chicago Cubs player Pete Crow-Armstrong, often referred to as PCA, hit his 40th home run of the year. This significant offensive achievement occurred during a matchup against the Miami Marlins, although the Cubs ultimately fell to the Marlins in the contest. According to coverage from bleachernation.com, the game also featured a successful performance by Steele and a situation involving Alcantara at first base. The event marks a high point for Crow-Armstrong individually while the team faced a loss on the field. Multiple sports outlets are highlighting the magnitude of Crow-Armstrong's achievement.

The Chicago Tribune describes the current campaign as an MVP-caliber season for the Cubs star, noting that the 40th home run adds yet another milestone to his performance. MLB.com reports that by hitting this mark, Crow-Armstrong has joined a list of Cubs greats. ESPN confirmed the home run occurred during the defeat against the Marlins, while Yahoo Sports categorized the players from Game 144 into a list of heroes and goats. The context surrounding this trend is the rarity of 40-home run seasons within the franchise's history. MLB.com specifically raises the question of whether a 40-40 season is next for the player, implying that Crow-Armstrong is approaching a rare statistical double that would further cement his status among the elite.

The emphasis across the Chicago Tribune and other sources is on the individual trajectory of the player and his impact on the team's offensive output during the 2026 season. Observers will be monitoring Crow-Armstrong's subsequent games to see if he can achieve the 40-40 milestone mentioned by MLB.com. Additionally, the team's performance in the wake of Game 144 remains a point of interest, as Yahoo Sports continues to track the heroes and goats of the roster. Further updates are expected regarding the ongoing success of Steele and the defensive positioning of Alcantara as the Cubs continue their season following the loss to the Marlins.