Cubs get Pete Crow-Armstrong MVP prediction that is bold, but very possible

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The Chicago Cubs are having a good 2026 season, and one of the main reasons why is that Pete Crow-Armstrong is breaking out further as one of the best players in baseball.

But this season he's not just simply playing very well; he's an actual MVP candidate. Winning the award over Shohei Ohtani might seem difficult at first glance, but it's something that's within range for PCA this season.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report is predicting that Crow-Armstrong not only beats Ohtani for the NL MVP award, but that he will "bury" Ohtani in the race for the achievement this season. It's a bold prediction, but it could actually happen.

Cubs get bold PCA prediction to 'bury' Ohtani in MVP race that's actually possible​

"Pete Crow-Armstrong will bury Shohei Ohtani in the NL MVP race," Rymer predicts. "... For one thing, it sure doesn't sound like Ohtani will be able to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers again before October."

This MVP race is going to be a close one, but PCA being able to "bury" Ohtani and be the clear runaway MVP will take a lot of things to happen.

Fortunately for the Cubs superstar center fielder, one of those things is Ohtani not stepping back onto the mound. It's looking more likely Ohtani's going to wait to return to the mound until October for the postseason. The Dodgers are good in the rotation already.

If that actually were to happen, and Ohtani doesn't pitch again, PCA will have a massive advantage the rest of the way in the MVP race.

He's already leading Ohtani in WAR, both in their bWAR and fWAR. Even though PCA isn't pitching, his incredible defense, which might be one of the best defensive seasons of all time, is playing a huge role.

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Being an elite center fielder for the Cubs, combined with good baserunning and elite offense, makes it make sense why PCA is a legitimate MVP contender.

He has 7.5 bWAR this season with 129 hits, 27 home runs, 30 stolen bases, a .933 OPS, and a 157 OPS+ (both best in the National League).

Ohtani has 6.3 bWAR with 123 hits, 26 home runs, seven stolen bases, a .929 OPS, and a .156 OPS+. Their offensive numbers are very close to one another this season.

But with PCA's defense and baserunning, he's ahead of Ohtani in the MVP discussion, even with Ohtani's 1.79 ERA in 14 starts this season for the Dodgers.

This MVP race will probably wind up being very close, but if Ohtani doesn't return to the mound and PCA creates separation offensively, he might end up running away with the MVP award this season.

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