MLB Announces NL MVP Poll Update on Tuesday

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

MLB Announces NL MVP Poll Update on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 25, 2026 2:36 PM ET

Pete Crow-Armstrong has taken over the National League MVP race in MLB.com’s fifth poll of the 2026 season, marking the first time he has held the top spot. The Chicago Cubs center fielder received 29 of 37 first-place votes and finished with 177 total points, moving ahead of Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani dropped to second with 154 points and eight first-place votes. The Los Angeles Dodgers star remains a major threat in the race, particularly with his return to pitching approaching after he last started on the mound July 3.

Crow-Armstrong’s rise has been driven by an exceptional combination of offensive production and defense. Since July 3, he has posted a 171 wRC+, a .1.014 OPS and 14 home runs while also leading the majors with 24 Fielding Run Value in center field. His overall value has pushed him to the top of the WAR leaderboard, giving him a compelling all-around case rather than relying solely on his bat.

Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the NL MVP Poll for the first time this season https://t.co/0Yej4uMpsc pic.twitter.com/pO4gTmjmfn
— MLB (@MLB) August 25, 2026

Ohtani’s case remains formidable despite his slide. He has a .935 OPS with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs, while his pitching numbers before his extended mound absence include an 8-2 record and 1.79 ERA across 14 starts. If he returns to the mound successfully, his two-way production could give the Dodgers star an opportunity to close the gap.

Kyle Schwarber ranks third with 46 points after another enormous power season for the Philadelphia Phillies. He leads the majors with 39 home runs and remains one of the biggest threats in the NL lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Jacob Misiorowski sits fourth with 45 points, giving the Milwaukee Brewers a prominent pitching candidate in the race. His 216 strikeouts and 248 ERA+ have helped establish him as one of the NL’s most dominant arms.

Matt Olson completes the top five with 38 points. The Atlanta Braves first baseman has maintained an .864 OPS while chasing his second 40-homer season and continuing to provide Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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