Ohtani, Crow-Armstrong, and Alvarez: A Season to Remember

Shohei Ohtani consistently enters each Major League Baseball season as a favorite for the Most Valuable Player award. In 2024, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, securing the MVP award. The following year, he hit 55 home runs, stole 20 bases, scored 146 runs, and maintained a 2.87 ERA with 62 strikeouts over 47 innings, winning the MVP unanimously.

Such exceptional performances set a high bar for others. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s remarkable season with the Chicago Cubs in 2026 met that challenge. Initially a Mets prospect, PCA joined the Cubs, showing potential in 2024. By 2025, he demonstrated a blend of power and speed with 31 home runs and 35 steals. However, his hitting inconsistencies and low walk rate hindered his breakout. That changed in 2026.

Crow-Armstrong started the season slowly, but improved as the season progressed. His walk rate skyrocketed from 4.5% in 2025 to 11.4% in 2026. An increase in bat speed from 72.7 mph in 2025 to 75.1 mph in 2026 was crucial. This led to a higher average exit velocity of 90.6 mph and a hard-hit percentage of 48.6%.

These metrics translated to extraordinary stats: 45 home runs, 41 steals, a .280 batting average, .372 on-base percentage, and .570 slugging percentage. An offensive performance 57% above league average coupled with his outstanding defense made him worth 23 runs more than the average center fielder, according to FanGraphs. The result was an impressive 10.6-win season, earning him the National League MVP unanimously and ending Ohtani’s three-year run.

Meanwhile, Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez also claimed his league’s MVP. Known for his offensive prowess, Alvarez’s 2026 performance saw him with a 181 weighted runs created plus, showing his offensive capability. Despite a 2025 marred by injury, he rebounded to become a dominant force. Even opponents acknowledged this, giving him 33 intentional walks, the highest in baseball.

Alvarez posted a .316/.432/.601 batting line with 42 home runs, contributing significantly to the Astros’ postseason berth. His 1.033 OPS led the league, and although he had a .429 weighted on-base average, his expected wOBA was higher at .442, indicating potential for even more remarkable numbers. He also led in expected slugging at .636, despite some bad luck. He was unanimously voted the winner.

Consistent with the quality of their seasons, Crow-Armstrong and Alvarez faced little competition for the MVP awards. Alvarez’s achievement was particularly notable given his lack of defensive contributions, while PCA overcame the challenge of competing in the same league as Ohtani. Both players’ achievements indicate a promising 2027 season ahead for them, pending its occurrence.