Last Updated on December 7, 2024 by Matt Musico

What qualifies as a special performance in the home run department? If we use the Immaculate Grid game as part of making that determination, it’s 40 home run seasons. Professional baseball has been around for more than 150 years. Compared to that huge sample size, there have only been a handful of single-season performances that have resulted in 40-plus home runs.

There have been 50 different performances of at least 50-plus dingers in Major League Baseball history. If we lower than benchmark to 40, it shoots up to more than 350. If you’re looking for some Immaculate Grid help (or some studying before the next one gets released), this team-by-team look at 40 home run seasons should be helpful.

Related: A Complete Guide to Single-Season (& Single-Game) HR Performances

Team-By-Team Look at 40 Home Run Seasons

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, as long as that dude can stay healthy for a full season at some point again. 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 of them 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 14 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 17 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, 41 in 1954 and 40 in 1961
• Johnny Mize: 51 in 1947 and 40 in 1948
• 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 plenty of 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 that Giancarlo Stanton produced just one season of 40-plus homers during his Marlins career? It was a memorable one, though, as 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.

Team-By-Team Look at 40 Home Run Seasons

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 franchise 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. It’s an accomplishment that’s 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 getting established in 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 during its lifetime. However, just one has gotten over the half-century mark in a single season. 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. However, 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. He also slugged 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:

• 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 quite easily have produced the most 40-homer seasons in MLB history, because of course they have. 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

Want to see some homers in person this season? Of course you do. Grab MLB tickets from our friends at Vivid Seats. And before you get to the stadium, make sure you’re decked out in the right gear. Get your favorite team’s official merch from the MLB Shop or a ‘Big Dinger Energy’ shirt from our apparel store.