Shohei Ohtani faces NL MVP challenge from Pete Crow-Armstrong in 2026 race

Shohei Ohtani vs Pete Crow-Armstrong: The NL MVP race heats up

Shohei Ohtani is chasing another MVP award in 2026 while Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs is rising fast as his top National League rival. The Cubs outfielder’s surge has turned the NL MVP debate into a two-man showdown.

What happened?

On July 15, 2026, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s breakout season reached a new peak when he delivered a walk-off single to lift the Cubs past the Reds. The performance capped a week in which he slashed .345/.412/.621 with three homers and six RBIs, numbers that put him in the NL MVP conversation. Shohei Ohtani, meanwhile, remains the favorite but faces fresh scrutiny after a mid-June slump that saw his batting average dip below .280 for the first time since April.

Why it matters for Shohei Ohtani

Ohtani’s 2026 campaign started with MVP expectations after he led MLB in OPS+ last season. But Crow-Armstrong’s rise has forced voters to weigh two distinct narratives: Ohtani’s two-way dominance versus Crow-Armstrong’s clutch late-inning heroics. The Cubs’ outfielder’s defense in center field and baserunning have added layers to the debate, with analysts noting his 12 stolen bases and zero errors through 80 games.

What comes next?

Ohtani will face Crow-Armstrong’s Cubs on July 22 in a marquee matchup that could swing momentum. A strong series could cement Ohtani’s lead, while another slump might let Crow-Armstrong seize the narrative. The NL MVP award will likely hinge on September performance, with both players projected to finish among the league leaders in WAR. The race remains wide open as the trade deadline looms and pennant races intensify.