The National League MVP debate is practically over, with Chicago Cubs phenom Pete Crow-Armstrong now practically guaranteed to win the award, leaving Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in a tough spot. Even with the Dodgers still World Series favorites, the buzz around Ohtani’s MVP chances has taken a serious hit, and frankly, it looks like it’s done for the 2026 season.
Ohtani’s MVP Bid Crashes and Burns
Let’s be real, there’s some real concern for Shohei Ohtani right now. He’s been out for a few games in a row, and a recent setback in his attempt to return to the mound is a huge blow. We’re talking Cy Young-caliber numbers through July, and now he hasn’t pitched since early July. To add insult to injury, he’s been out of the lineup for a few days too, which is just brutal. As USA Today’s Bob Nightengale put it, “It was an unbelievable run, but Shohei Ohtani’s bid for a fourth consecutive MVP award is over.” Ohtani’s 6.5 bWAR for the season is absolutely incredible and would normally be more than enough to justify MVP votes. He was the far-and-away best player in the first half of 2026. But with under a month left, his odds have plummeted, and he’s fallen to second fiddle. A return to the mound is unlikely, which has already cemented his status as the runner-up.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Unstoppable Rise to the Top
So, if Ohtani’s out, who’s in? Pete Crow-Armstrong, that’s who. This dude has been on an all-time heater this season for the Chicago Cubs. He’s stacked up an astounding 8.6 bWAR so far, blowing Ohtani’s 6.5 bWAR out of the water. We’re talking offensive bWAR of 7.1 and defensive bWAR of 1.9 from Crow-Armstrong. Compare that to Ohtani’s 3.6 offensive bWAR and a negative 1.2 defensive bWAR as a full-time DH, and his 3.0 pitching bWAR just isn’t enough to bridge that gap. The numbers are crystal clear: Crow-Armstrong’s production has been too great for Ohtani to match. Barring a miracle, like Crow-Armstrong going into a major slump AND Ohtani having one of the best months of his MLB career at the plate, this award is “Pete Crow-Armstrong’s award to lose,” as Nightengale put it.
With the 2026 MLB season coming to a close, we’re gonna be watching Pete Crow-Armstrong tear it up to the finish line and officially cement his status as the NL MVP. For Ohtani, it’s about getting healthy and coming back strong next season, but this year’s MVP race? That’s all but settled.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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