MLB Award Races Heat Up: Crow-Armstrong and Alvarez Lead Early Picks
With five weeks left in the regular season, the NL MVP race is tight between Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani, with Crow-Armstrong gaining an edge due to Ohtani's knee injury. In the AL, Yordan Alvarez is chasing a Triple Crown, which could secure his MVP bid. The article also previews other major awards, including the Cy Young and reliever of the year.
The NL MVP race hinges on Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching, as his July 5 knee injury shifted the edge to Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose 30/30 season and elite center-field defense contrast with Ohtani’s DH-only role. In the AL, Yordan Alvarez’s Triple Crown chase—first since Miguel Cabrera in 2012—could override the usual bias against designated hitters. Jacob Misiorowski’s 4.78 hits-per-nine rate threatens a 1916 record, while Cam Schlittler has allowed one run or fewer in 19 starts, emerging after injuries to Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet.
This story could shape fan debates and media narratives as the season’s final weeks unfold, influencing how voters weigh injuries, defensive value, and traditional stats like the Triple Crown. It may also affect player legacies and contract discussions, while casual fans might tune in more closely to watch record-chasing performances. The outcome could reinforce or challenge existing award criteria, potentially prompting future discussions about how to value two-way players and designated hitters.