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Shohei Ohtani named NL MVP finalist alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong, Brice Turang

The 2026 National League MVP race has narrowed to three finalists, with Los Angeles Dodgers phenom Shohei Ohtani joining Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and Milwaukee Brewers infielder Brice Turang on the ballot. Despite Ohtani’s three consecutive unanimous MVP wins—including four total in his career—his inclusion this year marks a shift in perception, as he is no longer considered the frontrunner.

Crow-Armstrong, a 24-year-old standout, leads the MVP conversation with superior offensive stats, including 45 home runs, a .280 batting average, and a 9.8 WAR, surpassing Ohtani’s 6.5 WAR and 30 home runs. His elite defensive play in center field further solidifies his case, while Ohtani’s reduced role as a pitcher due to injuries—limited to just 85.2 innings pitched—has diminished his two-way impact this season.

The award will be announced on November 12, with the decision based solely on regular-season performance, excluding postseason contributions.

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