Pete Crow-Armstrong has sparked a debate over the National League MVP race following a surge in performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers [1].
The shift in momentum matters because it challenges the perceived dominance of Shohei Ohtani, who has long been the frontrunner for the award. As Crow-Armstrong's offensive numbers climb, betting odds and analyst discussions are beginning to pivot toward the Cubs outfielder [2].
The conversation intensified during a mid-July 2026 series in Chicago, specifically during a Wednesday game where the Cubs secured a 7-6 victory [2, 3]. Crow-Armstrong drove in four runs and hit two home runs in that single contest [2]. Over the course of the series against the Dodgers, he recorded six hits in 13 at-bats, adding two home runs, and five RBIs [4].
Crow-Armstrong's season totals have reached new heights across 115 games played [4]. He currently holds a .288 batting average [4]. His power and speed are evident in his 26 home runs and 28 stolen bases, while he has recorded 69 runs batted in [4].
This production has led some outlets to report that Crow-Armstrong has overtaken Ohtani as the MVP favorite [2]. However, the race remains contested. While some analysts prioritize the recent surge, others argue that Ohtani's overall impact remains superior, with some insiders criticizing the use of WAR in the comparison [1].
Dave Roberts previously expressed confidence in the Dodgers star, saying, "Shohei Ohtani, he said then, 'is going to be the MVP of the National League'" [3]. The current debate stems from Ohtani's recent limitation to designated hitter duties, which contrasts with Crow-Armstrong's comprehensive contributions on the field [2, 4].
“Pete Crow-Armstrong has overtaken Shohei Ohtani as MVP favorite”
The MVP race is shifting from a coronation of Shohei Ohtani to a legitimate competition based on current momentum. While Ohtani remains a statistical powerhouse, Crow-Armstrong's ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively, combined with his recent dominance against a top-tier opponent, provides a narrative of ascending value that often influences voters in the final stretch of the season.
