The National League MVP race is heating up, and it may not go the way most expected. According to ESPN insider Bradford Doolittle, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is currently leading the pack, ahead of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and Padres slugger Fernando Tatis Jr.
In his latest piece highlighting early award favorites, Doolittle wrote that Crow-Armstrong’s all-around impact has made him one of the best stories in baseball this season.
Known more for his elite defense and baserunning entering the year, “PCA” has turned heads with a huge leap at the plate, improving his OPS+ from 88 to an impressive 145. While Doolittle notes a possible regression due to plate discipline issues, he added, “So far, so great.”
Crow-Armstrong Making His Case
Through the end of May, Pete Crow-Armstrong is batting .275 with 15 home runs, 50 RBIs, and an .866 OPS. He has also provided stellar defense in center field, contributing to the Cubs’ strong start to the season. His 40/40 potential has only fueled the MVP talk.
we interrupt your wednesday evening with a PCA home run. enjoy! pic.twitter.com/7iYUfzLNhC
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 29, 2025
On the other side of the race, Shohei Ohtani continues to deliver for the Dodgers. He is slashing .292/.394/.646 with 20 home runs and 35 RBIs, along with a 1.042 OPS, elite numbers by any standard. Yet, Doolittle has him listed as a close second behind Crow-Armstrong.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
While it’s still early, PCA’s breakout has placed Cubs’ Crow-Armstrong in the spotlight. If he keeps this pace, he could become the first Cub since Kris Bryant in 2016 to take home NL MVP honors.
Also Read: Fans Lash Out At The Yankees After Winning On Controversial Call
