Pete Crow-Armstrong continues NL MVP push with 2 more homers for Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is pushing his case for the National League MVP award with two home runs in the first two innings of a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The All-Star center fielder added a single and scored a run in the fourth inning. As the competition for the MVP title heats up, Crow-Armstrong aims to dethrone Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who has won the award for the past two consecutive years.

Ohtani, however, has been sidelined since July 3 due to left knee soreness and a right biceps injury, limiting him to a designated hitter role with the Dodgers. Despite the team's limitations, Crow-Armstrong has proven himself as one of baseball's top defensive players and a consistent offensive threat. The 24-year-old Chicago native hit a 435-foot drive in the first inning for his eighth career leadoff homer during the season.

He added another home run in the second inning, sending a two-run shot off the foul pole in right field, bringing his total to 35 home runs for the season. Crow-Armstrong's batting average against left-handed pitchers stands at an impressive .303, with nine homers and 31 RBIs this season against them, a stark contrast to his performance in 2025, where he hit just .188 with seven homers and 27 RBIs against lefties.