MLB Reacts: Can Shohei Ohtani be dethroned in the MVP race?
Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong are battling down the stretch, who do you think should win N.L. MVP?
Chicago, Illinois – August 6, 2026 – The National League MVP race has seen a shift in favor of Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs. For the first time in recent memory, Shohei Ohtani is no longer the betting favorite to win the prestigious award. While Ohtani's exceptional season continues with a stellar OPS and ERA, his absence from the mound due to injury has opened the door for Crow-Armstrong.
The 24-year-old outfielder has had a remarkable year, leading the league with a 7.5 WAR and on pace to reach the 30/30 season milestone again. Additionally, Crow-Armstrong is an elite defender, setting a new record for most five-star outfield catches. While both Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong are remarkable players, the weight of Ohtani's performance may solidify his position as the MVP.
The question remains: will the Cubs' outfielder emerge victorious, or will Ohtani's dominance continue to rule the pack?
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