WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 11: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs looks on prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs’ star centerfielder, Pete Crow-Armstrong, has emerged as a front-runner for the National League MVP award in 2026, demonstrating exceptional all-around performance across offensive and defensive metrics.
While Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani remains his principal competitor, Crow-Armstrong’s recent achievements, including a two-homer game against the Chicago White Sox, underscore hisasename’s case. The 24-year-old left-hander showcased his impact in the crucial cross-town matchup, where he delivered a career-defining performance with multiple RBIs and clutch home runs.
In games against the White Sox at Wrigley Field, Crow-Armstrong maintained elite statistical production, recording a .282 batting average with a .936 slugging percentage across 38 attempts. His contributions extended beyond power hitting, showcasing 25 doubles, seven triples, 31 home runs, and 79 RBIs during the series.
Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong reacts during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
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2026 Season Spotlight
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s journey to stardom began with a $3.359 million signing bonus when selected by the New York Mets in the 2020 draft. Following a 2021 trade to Chicago for Javier Báez, he quickly established himself as a Grade 55 prospect with advanced hitting mechanics and consistent contact capability.
Demonstrating rapid development, Crow-Armstrong became an All-Star in both 2025 and 2026, posting a WAR of 7.7 in his sophomore season. His 2025 performance (37 doubles, 31 homers) and 2026 surge (career-best WAR) highlight his trajectory as one of baseball’s premier talents.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 1: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates scoring during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Wrigley Field on August 1, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
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Recent On-Court Dynamics
Despite maintaining strong performance metrics, Crow-Armstrong has experienced some public scrutiny during away games. In Los Angeles during a recent Dodgers series, he expressed appreciation for Chicago’s fanbase while declining to retract his remarks about Dodgers supporters.
This exchange occurred alongside Shohei Ohtani’s dominant two-home-run performance against the Colorado Rockies, intensifying the MVP rivalry between the two stars. Baseball analysts note that Ohtani’s two-way profile creates unique voting considerations, though Crow-Armstrong’s consistent 2026 production remains compelling.
