Cubs Star Pete Crow-Armstrong Emerges as MVP Rival to Shohei Ohtani

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete "PCA" Crow-Armstrong is making a compelling case for the National League MVP title, positioning himself as a significant rival to Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed his admiration for Crow-Armstrong's season, stating, "It's truly enjoyable to watch Pete play like this."

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It's truly enjoyable to watch Pete play like this.

In a recent matchup, Crow-Armstrong delivered a stellar performance against the Dodgers, hitting three singles, including two home runs, and driving in four runs. This effort was crucial in the Cubs' 7-6 victory, extending the Dodgers' losing streak to six games. Ohtani also had a strong game with two home runs and three RBIs, but it wasn't enough to secure a win for his team.

When asked about the MVP race, Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the honor of being discussed alongside a player of Ohtani's caliber. "Just having your name mentioned with a great player like him feels great. It's a form of affirmation, it's really cool," he said. However, he added, "But if I can beat them at some point in the future, I'll feel more accomplished. I want to see our team in the playoffs in October because I believe we'll be a very, very dangerous team then."

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Just having your name mentioned with a great player like him feels great. It's a form of affirmation, it's really cool. But if I can beat them at some point in the future, I'll feel more accomplished. I want to see our team in the playoffs in October because I believe we'll be a very, very dangerous team then.

Ohtani, speaking through his interpreter, recognized Crow-Armstrong's abilities, stating, "He's an excellent player, and it's too early to talk about the MVP race." He emphasized his personal priority: "For me, it's more important that the team wins and that I can contribute to the team's victory." Crow-Armstrong echoed this sentiment regarding his own aspirations, "If I said I didn't want to win MVP, that would be a lie. But if I had to prioritize, my goals are very clear. This isn't what I focus on most... It's okay to focus on it, but it doesn't go with me to the batter's box."

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He's an excellent player, and it's too early to talk about the MVP race. For me, it's more important that the team wins and that I can contribute to the team's victory.

Advanced metrics from FanGraphs show Crow-Armstrong leading in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with 7.5, slightly ahead of Ohtani's 6.4. Crow-Armstrong's season stats include 26 home runs and 99 RBIs with a .288 batting average, .386 on-base percentage, and a .552 slugging percentage. His defensive prowess as a center fielder is also notable, with an Outs Above Average (OAA) of 22, ranking best in the majors.

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If I said I didn't want to win MVP, that would be a lie. But if I had to prioritize, my goals are very clear. This isn't what I focus on most... It's okay to focus on it, but it doesn't go with me to the batter's box.