Pete Crow-Armstrong runs away with NL MVP award

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pete Crow-Armstrong runs away with NL MVP award

By David Hill | Last updated Nov 12, 2026 8:43 PM ET

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is going to need to clear some more room in his trophy case.

Crow-Armstrong was named the NL MVP on Thursday, earning first place votes on all 30 ballots. Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani was second, receiving 26 second-place votes, while Brewers infielder Brice Turang finished a distant third.

Crow-Armstrong had a historic season in 2026. He posted a .280/.372/.570 batting line in his 726 plate appearances, hitting 45 homers and 31 doubles while stealing 41 bases to become the seventh member of the 40/40 club. Crow-Armstrong led the majors in home runs and runs scored (119) while leading the NL in slugging percentage and OPS (.943).

His impressive season extended to the defensive side as well. Crow-Armstrong was credited with 16 runs saved in center and was tied with Cardinals shortstop JJ Wetherholt with 25 outs above average to lead the majors. His defense was recognized with his second Gold Glove award in center and the 2026 NL Platinum Glove.

IT’S UNANIMOUS Pete Crow-Armstrong is your 2026 National League Most Valuable Player! https://t.co/WrD7cMLaXV
— MLB (@MLB) November 13, 2026

Pete Crow-Armstrong takes his place among Chicago Cubs legends

Crow-Armstrong had already earned his place in the Cubs record books with the franchise's first 40/40 season. He became the ninth player to win the MVP award as a member of the Cubs and the first to do so unanimously. Crow-Armstrong also became the 11th unanimous MVP in NL history.

At 24 years old, and only in his third full season in the majors, Crow-Armstrong may not be a finished product. He is still a couple of years away from his theoretical prime and may continue to improve. If that proves to be the case, the 2026 NL MVP award may only be the beginning.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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