Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a case for the National League MVP award, potentially challenging Shohei Ohtani, according to analyst Danny Parkins.

Parkins stated on "First Things First" that if the MVP voting were held today, his vote would go to Crow-Armstrong, also known as PCA. He acknowledged Ohtani as the best player in baseball and a two-way superstar, but noted Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to a knee injury. Parkins reserved the right to change his mind if Ohtani returns to pitching effectively and helps the Dodgers secure the top seed in the National League.

"Right now, look at the offense: PCA and Ohtani are having remarkably similar seasons," Parkins said. Through 121 games and 538 plate appearances, Crow-Armstrong has recorded 27 home runs, 73 RBIs, 30 stolen bases, a 156 OPS+, and an MLB-high 7.5 wins above replacement (WAR), with a .284/.384/.544 slash line. His advanced metrics include a 90.2 mph average exit velocity and a 48.6% hard-hit percentage. Crow-Armstrong has also been recognized as an All-Star in the last two seasons and a Gold Glover in 2025, with 14 defensive runs saved in center field this season.

Ohtani, through 111 games and 509 plate appearances, has hit 27 home runs, driven in 74 RBIs, and posted an NL-high 157 OPS+ with 3.4 WAR, batting .292/.393/.544. He ranks highly in exit velocity (97th percentile), barrel percentage (96th percentile), and hard-hit percentage (96th percentile). As a pitcher, Ohtani has a 1.79 ERA and 3.0 WAR over 85.2 innings across 14 starts.

Parkins highlighted Crow-Armstrong's defensive prowess and speed on the bases as key differentiators. "PCA is the best defensive center fielder in the game, and he leads all of baseball in wins above replacement," Parkins stated. "On the bases, it's not even close. Ohtani is only two years removed from stealing 59 bags, but he has seven this year to PCA's 30."

Parkins also pointed to the value each player brings to their respective teams. He suggested Crow-Armstrong has been instrumental in carrying the Cubs through a season with numerous pitching injuries. In contrast, Ohtani plays for the Dodgers, a team with a payroll significantly exceeding the Cubs'.

As of the notes, the Cubs hold the No. 1 NL wild-card seed with a 71-50 record, while the Dodgers lead the NL West at 73-48. The Cubs recently swept the Dodgers in a series.