Chicago Cubs legend Sammy Sosa has stated his belief that Pete Crow-Armstrong deserves the 2026 National League MVP award over Shohei Ohtani. Sosa revealed his pick in an interview with the California Post on Thursday.
"Shohei Ohtani is one of the greatest," Sosa said. "Nobody is going to take that away from him. But I believe that this year, the MVP is looking to Chi Town, Chicago."
Sosa's endorsement aligns with a slight advantage Crow-Armstrong currently holds in some projections over Ohtani for the coveted honor. Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs’ center fielder, has recorded 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases with a .279 batting average in 128 games this season. Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way player, has contributed 30 home runs and seven stolen bases with a .291 batting average in 118 contests.
While Ohtani has demonstrated All-Star caliber pitching alongside his offensive prowess, Sosa highlighted Crow-Armstrong's defensive contributions. "And while Ohtani has pitched at an All-Star level in addition to being one of the most feared hitters in the game, Crow-Armstrong’s centerfield defense has arguably been the best in the league," Sosa noted.
Sosa further elaborated on his reasoning, stating, "I’d have to say Pete has a lot of opportunity, a lot of possibility to be an MVP the way he’s been carrying the team; the way he’s been having the year that he’s been having."
