Shohei Ohtani, since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2024 MLB season, finds himself in a tight race for the National League MVP. Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a formidable contender. Their stats suggest a close competition for the prestigious award.

During a recent game at Wrigley Field, Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong faced off, each hitting two home runs and contributing a total of seven RBIs. The Cubs secured a 7-6 victory, completing a series sweep against the Dodgers. This outstanding performance by Crow-Armstrong has intensified talks about the NL MVP race.

Crow-Armstrong enjoys the attention, but his primary focus remains the team’s success. “It’s not like following me up to the plate,” he explained to ESPN. Despite acknowledging the buzz, winning the MVP isn’t his chief concern.

The competition dynamic changes as Ohtani, hindered by a knee issue since July, hasn’t been pitching. His 1.79 ERA remains impressive, and Crow-Armstrong jokingly suggested he might consider pitching to intensify the race.

With approximately 50 games remaining in the regular season, both players have hit 26 home runs. Ohtani leads slightly with 70 RBIs and an OPS of .953, compared to Crow-Armstrong’s .938. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, they are co-favorites for the MVP award.

Mark Harris reports for OutKick.