Crow-Armstrong Takes Lead in NL MVP Race Over Ohtani
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has moved ahead of Shohei Ohtani in MLB.com's latest NL MVP poll. Crow-Armstrong leads the majors in both Baseball-Reference and FanGraphs WAR, while Ohtani ranks second in both. The two are closely matched in several offensive categories, but Crow-Armstrong holds the edge in eight of twelve compared stats.
Crow-Armstrong's rise to the top of the MVP poll marks a notable shift, as he now leads both major WAR calculations for the first time this season. Historical precedent favors him: in seven of the last nine seasons, the league leader in Baseball-Reference WAR has also claimed the MVP. The last Cub to accomplish this was Kris Bryant in 2016, giving Chicago fans a familiar benchmark for their current star's campaign.
The matchup highlights two fundamentally different paths to value. Crow-Armstrong's case rests on elite defense, leading MLB in Fielding Run Value and the NL in Outs Above Average, alongside his offensive production. Ohtani counters with unprecedented two-way performance, having returned from UCL surgery to post a 0.73 ERA across his first eight starts in 2026 while also hitting for power at the plate.
This race could reshape how fans and voters weigh defensive excellence against two-way versatility. Crow-Armstrong's lead may signal a growing appreciation for all-around fielding contributions, traditionally undervalued in MVP discussions. The tight statistical margins could intensify public debate and media coverage, potentially influencing future award criteria. For Cubs and Dodgers fanbases, the stakes are high, as the outcome may define how each franchise's season is remembered and could affect player legacies and contract narratives moving forward.