MLB players back Crow-Armstrong over Ohtani in NL MVP race
While betting markets remain tight, a majority of surveyed players cite Pete Crow-Armstrong’s elite defence and consistent presence as the deciding factor in the National League award contest.
Major League Baseball players have voiced strong support for Chicago Cubs centre fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong over Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani in the National League Most Valuable Player race. An ESPN poll of more than 20 players across nine teams identified Crow-Armstrong as the preferred choice, with 15 selecting the Cubs outfielder compared to four for Ohtani and two opting for a split.
The shift in player sentiment coincides with Ohtani’s absence from the mound since July 3 due to left knee irritation. While the Dodgers star has initiated a throwing progression that could facilitate a return before the end of the regular season, manager Dave Roberts indicated he is unlikely to rejoin the starting rotation by next week. This extended absence has allowed Crow-Armstrong to gain traction, with peers citing his elite defence and daily impact as critical advantages.
Crow-Armstrong leads Major League Baseball in outs above average and ranks second in the National League for stolen bases. His offensive metrics are equally formidable, ranking first or second in the NL alongside Ohtani in OPS, OPS+, and Weighted Runs Created Plus (WRC+). In contrast, Ohtani’s case rests largely on his performance during 14 starts on the mound this season, where he ranked among the sport’s best pitchers before his injury.
Players emphasised that Crow-Armstrong’s ability to contribute every day offers a tangible value that Ohtani’s two-way role currently cannot match. Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins noted that the player who appears daily likely has a greater cumulative impact on the team. Several respondents, including White Sox pitcher Trevor Richards, highlighted Crow-Armstrong’s status as arguably the best fielder in baseball, suggesting his all-around game makes him a complete contender.
Conversely, supporters of Ohtani, such as White Sox pitcher Sean Burke, argued that even a partial season of Cy Young-level pitching combined with elite hitting is unmatched. However, the prevailing view among the poll respondents is that unless Ohtani returns to a significant role in the rotation during the final stretch, Crow-Armstrong’s defensive WAR and consistent offensive production position him as the frontrunner for the award, which is decided by 30 BBWAA voters.
