CHICAGO — The 2026 MLB season has seen an exciting shift in the National League MVP race, with Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong emerging as a serious contender. As the regular season enters its final month, Crow-Armstrong has not only challenged but overtaken Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in the MVP standings, a feat that few could have anticipated.
In recent years, the MVP award has often felt like a contest for second place, with Ohtani dominating the conversation. The two-way sensation has claimed the MVP title four times in the last five seasons, including back-to-back awards since joining the Dodgers. However, Crow-Armstrong's exceptional performance over the past two months has positioned him as the clear frontrunner for the prestigious award.
“I’d be crazy to say I don’t want to win an MVP,” Crow-Armstrong remarked last month. “But if we’re talking about priorities, I think I have mine pretty straight.” His focus on team success over individual accolades has resonated with fans and analysts alike, but his on-field achievements speak volumes.
Ohtani, despite his impressive statistics this season, has faced challenges that have hindered his performance. Entering Friday's games, he boasts a batting average of .279 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs, alongside a stellar pitching record of 8-2 and a 1.79 ERA. However, injuries have plagued him since early July, limiting his ability to pitch and impacting his overall game. Recent neck and biceps issues forced him to miss a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, further complicating his MVP candidacy.
Historically, unseating Ohtani from the MVP throne requires an extraordinary season, as evidenced by the 2022 AL MVP race, where Aaron Judge's record-breaking 62 home runs ultimately overshadowed Ohtani's remarkable contributions. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the rarity of Crow-Armstrong's achievements: “He’s done some things this year that haven’t been done in a long time, and that’s why we’re talking about him a lot.”
Crow-Armstrong is indeed having a historic season, boasting a .280 batting average with a .375 on-base percentage and a .571 slugging percentage. His impressive tally includes 39 home runs, 27 doubles, 7 triples, 93 RBIs, and 32 stolen bases. He leads the league with 103 runs scored and has an impressive 9.4 fWAR, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.
“Watching the consistency of the at-bats, that’s been an amazing transformation,” said Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, praising Crow-Armstrong's growth. “I’ve never seen a player develop at this rate.” His ability to make sound decisions at the plate, especially against left-handed pitchers, has been a significant factor in his success.
With just over three weeks left in the season, Crow-Armstrong is on the verge of joining MLB’s elite 40/40 club, a testament to his remarkable offensive capabilities. Defensively, he has also excelled, leading all players with 15 defensive runs saved and 24 outs above average, solidifying his status as the best defender at any position this season.
As the MVP race heats up, Crow-Armstrong's second-half surge has given him a distinct advantage. While Ohtani has struggled with injuries and a dip in production, Crow-Armstrong has thrived, posting a 1.001 OPS with 18 home runs since the All-Star break. His standout performances, including a multihomer game against the White Sox and a three-homer game against the Reds, have further cemented his place at the top of the MVP conversation.
While Ohtani's two-way excellence remains a marvel, his inability to pitch and the Dodgers' struggles have opened the door for Crow-Armstrong. With the Cubs' star player showcasing remarkable growth and consistency, the 2026 NL MVP award appears to be within his grasp, making it clear that he is the player to watch as the season draws to a close.
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