Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong Compete for NL MVP

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is facing tough competition for the National League MVP award for the first time since he joined the team in the 2024 MLB season. Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong is emerging as a strong contender, making the race for the prestigious title intriguing.

The competition intensified following a memorable performance at Wrigley Field. On Wednesday afternoon, both Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong showcased their talents by hitting two home runs each, jointly delivering seven RBIs. The game concluded with a narrow 7-6 victory for the Cubs, reinforcing Crow-Armstrong’s candidacy in the MVP conversation.

During the fourth inning of an August 5, 2026, game against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field, Crow-Armstrong celebrated his remarkable home run accomplishment. His significant contributions throughout the season, both offensively and defensively, have captivated fans and analysts alike.

Crow-Armstrong expressed his thoughts on the MVP race following the game, noting he enjoys the buzz it brings. ‘I would be crazy to say that I don’t want to win an MVP,’ he stated. ‘But if we’re talking about having priorities straight, I think mine are pretty straight. It’s not on the forefront of my mind.’

Despite the excitement, Crow-Armstrong acknowledges he’s not competing against a fully active Ohtani. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to a left knee issue, affecting his overall presence in the competition. The Japanese player boasts a 1.79 ERA for the season, adding another layer to the debate on the MVP front.

‘I think if you guys want to talk about all this back and forth, I really should go get in the lab and start pitching. I really should,’ Crow-Armstrong quipped, highlighting the unique contribution Ohtani brings to the field.

Currently, both athletes are tied as co-favorites to secure the NL MVP, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Their statistics at the plate reflect a close contest: each player has 26 home runs, with Ohtani slightly leading in RBIs and OPS. These factors underscore the tight race as the season progresses with around 50 games left.

With similar performances and shared ambitions, the competition between Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong promises to keep baseball fans engaged as the season unfolds.

Mark Harris contributes to OutKick with insights and detailed coverage of sports events.