Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 6
Crow-Armstrong Jokes He Must Pitch as 26-HR Duel With Ohtani Tightens NL MVP Race
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 6

Crow-Armstrong Jokes He Must Pitch as 26-HR Duel With Ohtani Tightens NL MVP Race

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 6

Summary

  • Pete Crow-Armstrong said the NL MVP buzz is "fun to acknowledge" but not his priority, then joked he needs to "start pitching" to match Shohei Ohtani.
  • Wednesday's 7-6 Cubs win sharpened that debate: Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani each hit 2 homers and combined for 7 RBI as Chicago completed a series sweep at Wrigley Field.
  • FanDuel listed the two as co-favorites Thursday, with about 50 games left and nearly identical batting lines — both have 26 home runs, while Ohtani leads 70-69 in RBI and .953-.938 in OPS.
  • Ohtani's edge is muted for now because he has not pitched since July 3 due to left knee soreness; Crow-Armstrong noted a full two-way Ohtani, who owns a 1.79 ERA, would make the MVP argument far tougher.

Insights

Will Shohei Ohtani's lingering knee injury open the door for Pete Crow-Armstrong to steal the 2026 National League MVP crown?
How will voters weigh a dynamic five-tool breakout star against a legendary two-way player temporarily sidelined from the pitching mound?