Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong contend for National League MVP honors

As the 2026 Major League Baseball season enters its final month, the race for the National League Most Valuable Player award has narrowed to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Ohtani remains a central figure for the Dodgers, maintaining a strong pitching rotation while recording 30 home runs and 79 RBIs this season. Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a statistical leader in the National League, holding top marks in categories including slugging percentage, total bases, and overall wins above replacement. While Ohtani continues to provide high-level pitching, analysts are noting a decline in his power metrics and base-stealing frequency compared to previous seasons. Crow-Armstrong’s candidacy has been bolstered by a surge in his walk rate and his current pursuit of a 40/40 season. The final decision rests with baseball writers as they evaluate the impact of Ohtani’s dual-threat play against the breakout performance of the Cubs' center fielder.

• 12:19 AMYahoo Sports — National League MVP 2026: Pete Crow-Armstrong Deserving Of Big Award