Pete Crow-Armstrong leads Shohei Ohtani in NL MVP race

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is emerging as a frontrunner in the National League MVP race, according to a recent ESPN poll of Major League Baseball players. In the poll, 15 out of 21 responding players selected Crow-Armstrong over Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.

MLB insider Jon Heyman described the competition as a “classic David vs. Goliath fight,” noting that Crow-Armstrong currently holds a narrow lead due to his “incredible narrative/unmatched dramatics,” including a recent performance featuring a leadoff home run and a walk-off home run against the Chicago White Sox.

However, Heyman issued a warning regarding the race, noting that Ohtani is expected to return to pitching in early September. While Crow-Armstrong has seen significant improvement and dramatic play, Ohtani’s potential return to the mound could shift the momentum in the contest.