The National League’s Most Valuable Player award is shaping up to be one of the most compelling races in recent memory, as two of baseball’s brightest stars vie for the honor. Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Chicago Cubs’ center‑field dynamo, has surged to the top of the fWAR leaderboard, while Shohei Ohtani, the two‑way phenom, battles a lingering injury that could reshape his value.
Stats That Speak Volumes
Through 117 games, Crow‑Armstrong sits at an 8.0 fWAR, with a projected 10.8 fWAR by season’s end. His slash line of .289/.388/.549 translates to a wRC+ of 156, the best in the league, and he is the only player to have already logged 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases, joining CJ Abrams and Elly De La Cruz in the exclusive 20/20 club.
What truly sets him apart is his blend of power and speed on the defensive side. He leads all fielders with an OAA of 22, while his hard‑hit rate of 49.7% and an average exit velocity of 114.6 MPH place him among the most feared sluggers in the game.
The Injury Factor
Ohtani’s recent injury has curtailed his pitching contributions, diminishing the dual‑threat value that once made him a runaway favorite. While his bat remains potent, the loss of high‑leverage innings on the mound narrows the statistical gap between the two candidates and gives voters a clearer picture of Crow‑Armstrong’s all‑around impact.
Beyond raw numbers, the narrative matters. The 2026 NL MVP race marks the first genuine showdown since 2023, and voter fatigue with established superstars may tilt the scales toward the fresh, electrifying profile of Crow‑Armstrong. As the season progresses, the interplay of health, performance and perception will ultimately decide who walks away with the coveted award.