Cubs superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong wins National League MVP unanimously, beating Shohei Ohtani - CBS Sports
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was unanimously named the 2026 National League MVP after a record-breaking season. He surpassed Shohei Ohtani, who finished in second place despite a strong performance.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in MLB power dynamics, highlighting a major upset in one of the most prestigious individual awards in professional sports.
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong won the National League MVP award for the 2026 season unanimously, the BBWAA revealed Thursday evening.
The Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot uses two voters from each of the 15 chapters housing NL teams. Each voter submits a ballot with 10 players, ranked 1-10. A first-place vote gets a player 14 points, while second place earns nine, third place eight, etc., until a 10th-place vote earns one point. Ballots are due before the playoffs begin, as this is a regular-season award.
Though the results were unsurprising by the time the year wound down, going back to the start of the season, this marks a huge upset. Shohei Ohtani was the overwhelming favorite to win the award heading into the season and maintained favorite status through the All-Star break. A combination of his injuries and PCA's monster season turned the tide late.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Pete Crow-Armstrong and Yordan Alvarez Win Unanimous Most Valuable Player Awards
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Armstrong unanimously wins NL MVP
Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong, Astros' Yordan Alvarez unanimous MVP winners - ESPN
Pete Crow-Armstrong unanimously ends Shohei Ohtani's run as NL MVP, Yordan Alvarez takes AL MVP for Astros
Unanimous MVP winners add to historic Awards Week - MLB.com
Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong and Astros’ Yordan Alvarez unanimously win MVP awards
Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs star who lit up Wrigley Field, unanimously wins NL MVP
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