Crow-Armstrong Emerges as NL MVP Contender with Dominant Performance

Chicago Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is a legitimate contender for the 2026 National League MVP, with Shohei Ohtani posing the primary threat. The PCA team made a memorable showing at the August 17 Cross-Town Classic, notching two clutch home runs – one to start the inning and another to seal the win – as they edged out their opponents 7-5. He went 4-for-5 with two homers and three RBIs, a rare feat achieved

Crow-Armstrong's dynamic play and the potential for a new MVP face could sway voters over Ohtani's two-way dominance.

Despite a recent controversy regarding his comments about Dodgers fans, Crow-Armstrong's impressive stats and on-field performance make him a force to be reckoned with in the NL MVP race.

The 24-year-old left-hander has been an All-Star twice, in 2025, and again this season, showcasing his skills as one of the most exciting young MLB players.

In the Chicago Cross-Town Classic game between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox played at the Cubs Wrigley Field August 17, PCA was the star of the Cubs 7-5 victory. He led off the game with a home run. Then, he homered again in the bottom of the 10th inning to win the extra-inning game for the Cubs.

sports.yahoo.com indicates Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of six major league players to hit a leadoff, and walk-off home run.

In that August 17 game, PCA went 4-for-5, with two homers, a double, a single, and three RBIs. He scored two runs.

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The dynamic Cubs centerfielder left the second game of the three game White Sox series hitting .282/.381/.555/.936. 25 doubles, seven triples, 31 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases, in 38 attempts covering 483 at-bats.

The New York Mets drafted PCA in the 1st round of the 2020 Major League Baseball draft out of Harvard-Westlake High School, in Los Angeles, California. The No.19 player taken in that draft, the Mets gave Pete Crow-Armstrong a $3,359,000 signing bonus.

Ironically, the Cubs were looking to draft Crow-Armstrong, but switched instead to shortstop, Ed Howard.

Crow- Armstrong had already exhibited a mature hitting approach for a high school player. PCA was 6-0, 184 pounds when he was drafted. And now, in 2026, he carries the same height and weight.

PCA was viewed as making consistent contact, with a mature understanding of good hitting mechanics.

On July 30, 2021, the Mets traded PCA to the Cubs for infielder Javier Baez, and pitcher Trevor Williams.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is only in his 4th full season of Major League Baseball, all with the Cubs. PCA has been an All Star twice, in 2025, and again this season, showcasing his skills as one of the most exciting young MLB players.