As the 2026 Major League Baseball season heads into its final stretch, the race for the National League MVP is heating up, with two standout players at the forefront. Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a serious contender, challenging the four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. With both players showcasing impressive statistics, the debate over who deserves the prestigious award is intensifying.
Currently, both Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani have surpassed 30 home runs, maintaining an OPS above .900, and are pivotal to their respective teams' success. However, while Crow-Armstrong is experiencing a breakout season, Ohtani's performance has shown signs of decline. As the season progresses, Crow-Armstrong's consistent play has positioned him as a frontrunner for the MVP title, especially as Ohtani's numbers appear to be slipping.
Ohtani, known for his unique two-way talent, has had a remarkable career, including a stellar 2025 season where he hit 50 home runs and posted a 2.87 ERA. Despite his historical prowess, this season has been challenging for the 32-year-old. While he has still managed to hit 30 home runs and drive in 79 RBIs, his overall performance has raised questions. Ohtani's power numbers have declined significantly, and he has experienced a notable drop in his base-stealing attempts, which could indicate that age is starting to catch up with him.
In contrast, Crow-Armstrong is enjoying a career year. As of September 4, he leads the National League in several key offensive categories, including slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging (OPS), and total bases. His remarkable improvement from previous seasons, where he struggled with a sub-.300 on-base percentage, has been a highlight of his 2026 campaign. His walk rate has surged, demonstrating a newfound discipline at the plate, which has been crucial to his success.
Moreover, Crow-Armstrong's defensive capabilities cannot be overlooked. Although he leads the league in errors as a center fielder, he has also saved 15 runs defensively, showcasing his multi-tool skill set. This combination of offensive and defensive contributions strengthens his MVP candidacy, particularly as writers look for players who can impact the game in multiple ways.
Injuries have also played a role in the MVP discussion. Ohtani is currently dealing with discomfort in his knee, biceps, and neck, which has affected his performance. His batting average dipped to .241 in August, marking one of his worst months in recent years. With the possibility of him not pitching again this season, his chances of securing the MVP title could be further diminished.
On the other hand, Crow-Armstrong has remained healthy and has been a consistent performer, hitting 14 home runs in August alone. His ability to steal bases and maintain a high OPS has drawn attention, especially as the Cubs remain competitive in the playoff race. If he continues on this trajectory, he could achieve a historic 40/40 season, further solidifying his place in the MVP conversation.
As the season approaches its climax, the battle for the National League MVP is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Crow-Armstrong's impressive resurgence and Ohtani's struggles, the outcome remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Crow-Armstrong's breakout season has positioned him as a serious contender for the award, and he is poised to make a significant impact in the final weeks of the season.
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