Crow-Armstrong's Three-Homer Game Boosts NL MVP Case
Pete Crow-Armstrong had a career-best performance, going 4-for-6 with three home runs and six RBIs in the Cubs' 17-5 victory over the Reds. The 24-year-old leads all MLB players with 7.9 WAR and is competing with Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP. The Cubs hold the top NL Wild Card spot with a 77-59 record.
Crow-Armstrong's breakout performance came in his 135th game of the season, a night that pushed his home run total to 33 and RBI count to 83. His slash line of .277/.374/.548, combined with 32 stolen bases and a league-leading 7.9 WAR, places him among the game's most complete young players. The Cubs' offense, which tops the majors with 720 runs scored, has been powered largely by his production. Chicago sits second in the NL Central at 77-59 and holds the top Wild Card position. No Cubs player has won the MVP award since Kris Bryant in 2016.
This performance could shift the NL MVP conversation in the season's final weeks, potentially influencing how fans, media, and voters weigh traditional counting stats against advanced metrics like WAR. A Cubs MVP winner would energize a passionate fanbase and could boost national attention on a team currently positioned for a playoff run. The race with Ohtani may also draw casual viewers to Cubs games, affecting local ratings and broader engagement with the sport during the stretch drive.