367 Occurrences of 40-Homer Seasons, Broken Down By Team
This will definitely help you get ready for the Immaculate Grid's "40 Homer" category.
Earlier this week, I talked about some of the best individual home run seasons in MLB history. There have been just 50 occurrences of someone slugging 50-plus homers in one year (twice in 2024 thanks to Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani).
But then again, reaching the 40-homer plateau is also significant. Only four hitters reached that number this year (Judge, Ohtani, Anthony Santander, and Juan Soto).
I keep a running tally of 40-homer performances for players with at least 200 plate appearances in one season. Here’s a team-by-team look, which has certainly helped me pull out some rare answers for the Immaculate Grid.
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Angels 40 Home Run Seasons
The Angels' 40-homer club has gotten a bit of a makeover in recent years. But with Ohtani with the Dodgers and Mike Trout unable to stay healthy, it’s hard to see how this club gets any bigger soon:
Troy Glaus: 47 home runs in 2000, 41 in 2001
Shohei Ohtani: 46 in 2021, 44 in 2023
Mike Trout: 45 in 2019, 41 in 2015, 40 in 2022
Albert Pujols: 40 in 2015
Astros 40 HR Seasons
The Houston Astros' 40-homer club will eventually include Yordan Alvarez. For now, just four hitters have accomplished the feat a total of seven times:
Jeff Bagwell: 47 home runs in 2000, 43 in 1997, 42 in 1999
Lance Berkman: 45 in 2006, 42 in 2002
Richard Hidalgo: 44 in 2000
Alex Bregman: 41 in 2019
Athletics 40 Home Run Seasons
The A's have produced 10 different seasons of 40-plus home runs. As you can imagine, Mark McGwire has his name etched on this list a few times. However, Oakland is also the owner of baseball's oldest single-season record for home runs:
Jimmie Foxx: 58 home runs in 1932, 48 in 1933, 44 in 1934
Mark McGwire: 52 in 1996, 49 in 1987, 42 in 1992
Khris Davis: 48 in 2018, 43 in 2017, 42 in 2016
Reggie Jackson: 47 in 1969
Jose Canseco: 44 in 1991, 42 in 1988
Jason Giambi: 43 in 2000
Gus Zernial: 42 in 1953
Blue Jays 40 Home Run Seasons
For only being a big-league club since 1977, it feels like the Blue Jays have produced quite a few 40-homer hitters. There have been 16 of these occurrences in franchise history:
Jose Bautista: 54 home runs in 2010, 43 in 2011, 40 in 2015
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: 48 in 2021
George Bell: 47 in 1987
Jose Canseco: 46 in 1998
Marcus Semien: 45 in 2021
Carlos Delgado: 44 in 1999, 42 in 2003, 41 in 2000
Shawn Green: 42 in 1999
Edwin Encarnacion: 42 in 2012 and 2016
Tony Batista: 41 in 2000
Josh Donaldson: 41 in 2015
Jesse Barfield: 40 in 1986
Braves 40 Home Run Hitters
The Braves have had many hitters who have surpassed the 40-homer plateau. It helps when one of the best home run hitters of all time donned their uniform during their Hall of Fame career.
There have been 25 Braves seasons of 40-plus homers:
Matt Olson: 54 home runs in 2023
Andruw Jones: 51 in 2005, 41 in 2006
Eddie Mathews: 47 in 1953, 46 in 1959, 41 in 1955, 40 in 1954
Hank Aaron: 47 in 1971, 45 in 1962, 44 in 1957, 1963, 1966, and 1969, 40 in 1959 and 1960
Chipper Jones: 45 in 1999
Dale Murphy: 44 in 1987
Andres Galarraga: 44 in 1998
Davey Johnson: 43 in 1973
Darrell Evans: 41 in 1973
Jeff Burroughs: 41 in 1977
Ronald Acuña Jr.: 41 in 2019 and 2023
David Justice: 40 in 1993
Marcell Ozuna: 40 in 2023
Brewers 40 HR Seasons
The top of the Brewers' single-season home run leaderboard provides some interesting names -- some very familiar and some not-so-familiar. Here's a peek:
Prince Fielder: 50 home runs in 2007, 46 in 2009
Gorman Thomas: 45 in 1979
Richie Sexson: 45 in 2001 and 2003
Christian Yelich: 44 in 2019
Ben Oglivie: 41 in 1980
Ryan Braun: 41 in 2012
Chris Carter: 41 in 2016
Cardinals 40 Home Run Seasons
The St. Louis Cardinals have produced 12 different 40-homer seasons during their lifetime. However, these accomplishments are shared by just five players:
Mark McGwire: 70 home runs in 1998, 65 in 1999
Albert Pujols: 49 in 2006, 47 in 2009, 46 in 2004, 43 in 2003, 42 in 2010, 41 in 2005
Johnny Mize: 43 in 1940
Rogers Hornsby: 42 in 1922
Jim Edmonds: 42 in 2000 and 2004
Cubs 40 Home Run Seasons
Sammy Sosa is the elite of the elite when it comes to Chicago Cubs home run history. However, others join him in the franchise's 40-homer club:
Sammy Sosa: 66 in 1998, 64 in 2001, 63 in 1999, 50 in 2000, 49 in 2002, 40 in 1996 and 2003
Hack Wilson: 56 in 1930
Andre Dawson: 49 in 1987
Dave Kingman: 48 in 1979
Ernie Banks: 47 in 1958, 45 in 1959, 44 in 1955, 43 in 1957, 41 in 1960
Derrek Lee: 46 in 2005
Billy Williams: 42 in 1970
Hank Sauer: 41 in 1954
Ryne Sandberg: 40 in 1990
Diamondbacks 40 Home Run Seasons
The Diamondbacks have been around since 1998, and while an Arizona hitter has produced 30-plus homers 23 times, only two have surpassed the 40-homer plateau (so far):
Luis Gonzalez: 57 home runs in 2001
Mark Reynolds: 44 in 2009
Dodgers 40 HR Seasons
The Los Angeles Dodgers have collected 15 different seasons of 40-plus homers throughout its history. Shawn Green is no longer the franchise leader thanks to a certain generational superstar.
Shohei Ohtani: 54 in 2024
Shawn Green: 49 home runs in 2001, 42 in 2002
Adrian Beltre: 48 in 2004
Cody Bellinger: 47 in 2019
Duke Snider: 43 in 1956, 42 in 1953, 42 in 1955, 40 in 1954 and 1957
Gary Sheffield: 43 in 2000
Gil Hodges: 42 in 1954, 40 in 1951
Roy Campanella: 41 in 1953
Mike Piazza: 40 in 1997
Giants 40 Home Run Seasons
There have been 14 instances of 40-plus homers in Giants history. The majority of them belong to Barry Bonds and Willie Mays. They're not the only ones on this list, though:
Barry Bonds: 73 home runs in 2001, 49 in 2000, 46 in 1993 and 2002, 45 in 2003 and 2004
Willie Mays: 52 in 1965, 51 in 1955, 49 in 1962, 47 in 1964
Johnny Mize: 51 in 1947
Kevin Mitchell: 47 in 1989
Orlando Cepeda: 46 in 1961
Willie McCovey: 45 in 1969
Mel Ott: 42 in 1929
Guardians 40 Home Run Hitters
There have been 12 instances of 40-plus homers in Guardians history, which has been accomplished by seven dudes. Some familiar ones, but also several obscure names that'll impress others if you whip them out in a conversation:
Jim Thome: 52 home runs in 2002, 49 in 2001, 40 in 1997
Albert Belle: 50 in 1995, 48 in 1996
Manny Ramirez: 45 in 1998, 44 in 1999
Al Rosen: 43 in 1953
Hal Trosky Sr.: 42 in 1936
Rocky Colavito: 42 in 1959, 41 in 1958
Travis Hafner: 42 in 2006
Mariners 40 Home Run Seasons
Ken Griffey Jr. should be the first name that pops up when someone wants to discuss Mariners home run history. I mean, just look at how many 40-homer seasons he racked up in Seattle:
Ken Griffey Jr.: 56 home runs in 1997 and 1998: 49 in 1996, 48 in 1999, 45 in 1993, 40 in 1994
Jay Buhner: 44 in 1996, 40 in 1995 and 1997
Nelson Cruz: 44 in 2015, 43 in 2016
Alex Rodriguez: 42 in 1998 and 1999, 41 in 2000
Marlins 40 Home Run Performances
Would you believe me if I said Giancarlo Stanton produced just one season of 40-plus homers during his Marlins career? It was a memorable one, though — he slugged 59 dingers during his 2017 NL MVP campaign. The only other such performance in franchise history came from Gary Sheffield. He slugged 42 homers in 1996.
Mets 40 Home Run Seasons
The top of the Mets' single-season home run leaderboard has gotten a complete makeover since 2019 thanks to Pete Alonso. He's been the only player added to this list since 2006:
Pete Alonso: 53 home runs in 2019, 46 in 2023, 40 in 2022
Todd Hundley: 41 in 1996
Carlos Beltran: 41 in 2006
Mike Piazza: 40 in 1999
Nationals 40 Home Run Seasons
There have been just four 40-homer seasons in Expos/Nationals history. This accomplishment is shared by three dudes:
Alfonso Soriano: 46 home runs in 2006
Vladimir Guerrero: 44 in 2000, 42 in 1999
Bryce Harper: 42 in 2015
Orioles 40 Home Run Seasons
There have been just nine instances of 40-plus homers in a season in Baltimore Orioles history, which is shared by eight different players:
Chris Davis: 53 home runs in 2013, 47 in 2015
Brady Anderson: 50 in 1996
Frank Robinson: 49 in 1966
Mark Trumbo: 47 in 2016
Jim Gentile: 46 in 1961
Anthony Santander: 44 in 2024
Rafael Palmeiro: 43 in 1998
Nelson Cruz: 40 in 2014
Padres 40 Home Runs
The Padres' 40-homer club is another small one. However, there are some dudes currently on the roster who can find their way on there soon:
Greg Vaughn: 50 home runs in 1998
Fernando Tatis Jr.: 42 in 2021
Phil Nevin: 41 in 2001
Ken Caminiti: 40 in 1996
Adrian Gonzalez: 40 in 2009
Pirates 40 Home Run Seasons
I'm not sure if Ralph Kiner rolls off your tongue whenever someone wants to talk about Pirates home run history, but he should. Look at how much he dominates Pittsburgh's list of 40-homer hitters:
Ralph Kiner: 54 home runs in 1949, 51 in 1947, 47 in 1950, 42 in 1951, 40 in 1948
Willie Stargell: 48 in 1971, 44 in 1973
Phillies 40 HR Seasons
As of the 2024 season, Kyle Schwarber has been with the Phillies for three seasons. He's already found his way onto this list twice. Here's the full club for Philly:
Ryan Howard: 58 home runs in 2006, 48 in 2008, 47 in 2007, 45 in 2009
Mike Schmidt: 48 in 1980, 45 in 1979, 40 in 1983
Jim Thome: 47 in 2003, 42 in 2004
Kyle Schwarber: 47 in 2023, 46 in 2022
Chuck Klein: 43 in 1929, 40 in 1930
Cy Williams: 41 in 1923
Dick Allen: 40 in 1966
Rangers 40 Home Run Seasons
The Texas Rangers have been around since 1961 and have produced 18 different seasons of at least 40 homers. There are plenty of dudes with repeat performances on this list, too:
Alex Rodriguez: 57 home runs in 2002, 52 in 2001, 47 in 2003
Frank Howard: 48 in 1969, 44 in 1968 and 1970
Juan Gonzalez: 47 in 1996, 46 in 1993, 45 in 1998, 43 in 1992, 42 in 1997
Rafael Palmeiro: 47 in 1999 and 2001, 43 in 2002
Mark Teixeira: 43 in 2005
Josh Hamilton: 43 in 2012
Joey Gallo: 41 in 2017, 40 in 2018
Rays 40 HR Hitters
We've had some close calls in recent years, but the Rays have produced just one 40-homer season since 1998. It took place in 2007 when Carlos Peña slugged 46 dingers.
Reds 40 HR Seasons
The Reds, MLB's oldest franchise, have experienced 16 performances of 40-plus homers. However, just one has gotten over the half-century mark. Here's a look at the list:
George Foster: 52 home runs in 1977, 40 in 1978
Ted Kluszewski: 49 in 1954, 47 in 1955, 40 in 1953
Eugenio Suarez: 49 in 2019
Adam Dunn: 46 in 2004, 40 in 2005, 2006, and 2007
Johnny Bench: 45 in 1970, 40 in 1972
Greg Vaughn: 45 in 1999
Wally Post: 40 in 1955
Tony Perez: 40 in 1970
Ken Griffey Jr.: 40 in 2000
Red Sox 40 Home Run Seasons
When I think of "Red Sox" and "home runs", David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez are the first two sluggers that come to mind. Here are the 19 total instances of 40-plus homer seasons in a Boston uniform:
David Ortiz: 54 home runs in 2006, 47 in 2005, 41 in 2004
Jimmie Foxx: 50 in 1938, 41 in 1936
Jim Rice: 46 in 1978
Manny Ramirez: 45 in 2005, 43 in 2004, 41 in 2001
Carl Yastrzemski: 44 in 1967, 40 in 1969 and 1970
Mo Vaughn: 44 in 1996, 40 in 1998
Ted Williams: 43 in 1949
Tony Armas: 43 in 1984
J.D. Martinez: 43 in 2018
Dick Stuart: 42 in 1963
Rico Petrocelli: 40 in 1969
Rockies 40 HR Seasons
You'd think that with a ballpark like Coors Field to call home, there'd be plenty of 40-homer seasons in Rockies history. There are, especially when compared to other expansion teams. Of the 14 instances listed below, only four have come after 2001 (by just two guys):
Larry Walker: 49 home runs in 1997
Todd Helton: 49 in 2001, 42 in 2000
Andres Galarraga: 47 in 1996, 41 in 1997
Vinny Castilla: 46 in 1998, 40 in 1996 and 1997
Nolan Arenado: 42 in 2015, 41 in 2016 and 2019
Dante Bichette: 40 in 1995
Ellis Burks: 40 in 1996
Carlos Gonzalez: 40 in 2015
Royals 40 Home Run Seasons
The Kansas City Royals were the final MLB team to register a 40-homer season. And then they got a second one just a few seasons later. They at least made each instance count -- Jorge Soler led the AL in 2019 with 48 home runs before Salvador Perez shared the AL Home Run crown in 2021, also with 48 dingers.
Tigers 40 HR Seasons
The Tigers own one of one of baseball's oldest single-season home run records. Here are the 11 seasons of 40-plus homers in franchise history:
Hank Greenberg: 58 home runs in 1938, 44 in 1946, 41 in 1940, 40 in 1937
Cecil Fielder: 51 in 1990, 44 in 1991
Rocky Colavito: 45 in 1961
Miguel Cabrera: 44 in 2012 and 2013
Norm Cash: 41 in 1961
Darrell Evans: 40 in 1985
Twins 40 Home Run Seasons
Before even thinking about who to enter into your grid for Twins 40-homer hitters, you might as well just disregard Harmon Killebrew. Only because he'll be a popular answer. Otherwise, he owns this area of Twins history:
Harmon Killebrew: 49 home runs in 1964 and 1969, 48 in 1962, 46 in 1961, 43 in 1963, 44 in 1967, 42 in 1959, 41 in 1970
Roy Sievers: 42 in 1957
Brian Dozier: 42 in 2016
Nelson Cruz: 41 in 2019
White Sox 40 Home Run Seasons
The Chicago White Sox have produced 12 different 40-plus homer seasons. There are some popular names on here, but probably a couple that'll help the ol' rarity score on the Immaculate Grid (I’m looking at you, Jermaine Dye):
Albert Belle: 49 home runs in 1998
Jermaine Dye: 44 in 2006
Frank Thomas: 43 in 2000, 42 in 2003, 41 in 1993, 40 in 1995 and 1996
Jim Thome: 42 in 2006
Paul Konerko: 41 in 2004, 40 in 2005
Adam Dunn: 41 in 2012
Todd Frazier: 40 in 2016
Yankees 40 HR Hitters
The New York Yankees have shockingly produced the most 40-homer seasons in MLB history (/sarcasm). Someone in pinstripes has slugged at least that many homers in a season more than 30 (!) times. Here they are:
Aaron Judge: 58 home runs in 2024, 62 in 2022, 52 in 2017
Roger Maris: 61 in 1961
Babe Ruth: 60 in 1927, 59 in 1921, 54 in 1920 and 1928, 49 in 1930, 47 in 1926, 46 in 1924, 1929, and 1931
Mickey Mantle: 54 in 1961, 52 in 1956, 42 in 1958, 40 in 1960
Alex Rodriguez: 54 in 2007, 48 in 2005
Lou Gehrig: 49 in 1934 and 1936, 47 in 1927, 46 in 1931, 41 in 1930
Joe DiMaggio: 46 in 1937
Tino Martinez: 44 in 1997
Curtis Granderson: 43 in 2012, 41 in 2011
Reggie Jackson: 41 in 1980
Jason Giambi: 41 in 2002 and 2003
Juan Soto: 41 in 2024