2026 National League MVP Race: Ohtani vs. Crow-Armstrong

The competition for the National League MVP is heating up, centering on Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs. As the season approaches its conclusion, both players are making strong cases for the award.

Ohtani is having a challenging season, batting .287 with a 1.79 ERA over 85 ⅔ innings pitched. Despite injuries, he is expected to return to pitching soon, which could influence his MVP candidacy. In contrast, Crow-Armstrong is enjoying a breakout season, boasting a .276 batting average and excelling in both baserunning and defense, making him a formidable contender.

Experts from CBS Sports have shared their opinions on the MVP race. Some favor Crow-Armstrong for his defensive contributions and overall impact, while others believe Ohtani's potential return to form could shift the dynamics of the race. The final decision will be made in November, but the competition remains intense.