Pete Crow-Armstrong emerges as National League MVP contender

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a primary contender for the National League MVP award during the 2026 season. The 24-year-old has demonstrated significant development, improving his plate discipline and walk rate compared to previous seasons.

Crow-Armstrong is currently producing elite offensive and defensive numbers, including a .277/.375/.530 slash line with 27 home runs and 73 RBIs. Defensively, he is having a historic season, recording 22 outs above average and 24 fielding run value.

His candidacy faces competition from Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. While Ohtani remains a dominant force, knee and bicep injuries have prevented him from pitching since early July. Analysts have noted that if voting were held today, Crow-Armstrong’s complete performance might edge out Ohtani, whose MVP case is impacted by his limited time on the mound. Ohtani is expected to return to pitching in September.