Pete Crow-Armstrong Wins 2026 NL MVP Award Unanimously: Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has been named the 2026 National League Most Valuable Player (NL MVP). He delivered an outstanding performance throughout the season, excelling on both the offensive and defensive fronts. He received all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), making him the first unanimous MVP winner in the history of the Chicago Cubs.
The 24-year-old outfielder finished ahead of Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who placed second, while Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang came in third in the voting.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Spectacular 2026 Season
Crow-Armstrong delivered one of the finest all-around seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Over the course of 162 games in the 2026 regular season, he recorded a .280 batting average, 45 home runs, 107 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases.
His power, speed, and consistency established him as one of the most dangerous players in the National League. Furthermore, he tied for the MLB lead in home runs, matching the total set by Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber.
Some of his major 2026 regular-season statistics include:- Batting Average: .280
- Home Runs: 45
- RBIs: 107
- Stolen Bases: 41
- Runs Scored: 119
- Slugging Percentage: .570
- OPS: .942
- Games Played: 162
First Unanimous NL MVP in Chicago Cubs History
Winning the MVP award unanimously makes Crow-Armstrong’s achievement even more special. He received all 30 first-place votes, finishing ahead of four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani.
He has become the 13th player in the history of the Cubs franchise to win the National League MVP award. He is the first player to receive this honor since Kris Bryant in 2016. Other Cubs legends who have previously earned this distinction include Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson, and Sammy Sosa.
Crow-Armstrong’s Exceptional Defense
His contributions were not limited to batting and base-running. Crow-Armstrong established himself as one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball.
In 2026, he won his second Gold Glove Award and his first National League Platinum Glove Award. His outstanding defensive range and ability to make difficult catches played a crucial role in the Cubs' success throughout the season.
2026 NL MVP Final Voting Results
| Rank | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Chicago Cubs |
| 2nd | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 3rd | Brice Turang | Milwaukee Brewers |
What makes Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP win special?
Crow-Armstrong’s 2026 season was remarkable, characterized by a stellar combination of elite hitting, exceptional speed, and outstanding defensive skills. His 45 home runs and 41 stolen bases earned him a spot in the exclusive '40-40 club'.
His unanimous MVP victory marks a major milestone for both the player and the Chicago Cubs. At just 24 years old, Crow-Armstrong has firmly established himself as one of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball.
