Pete Crow-Armstrong Strengthens 2026 NL MVP Case as Shohei Ohtani Start Is Postponed

Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani remain two of the biggest names in the 2026 National League MVP race, but Saturday’s events gave Cubs fans plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Crow-Armstrong produced a historic performance against the Cincinnati Reds, hitting three home runs in the same game. The performance not only boosted his MVP credentials but also made him the youngest player in Chicago Cubs history to accomplish the feat.

Later that day, news broke that Ohtani’s scheduled Sunday pitching start for the Los Angeles Dodgers had been postponed. The timing prompted several fans on social media to jokingly connect the development to Crow-Armstrong’s spectacular performance.

Fans React to Shohei Ohtani’s Postponed Start

Popular baseball account Talkin’ Baseball reported that Ohtani’s scheduled Sunday start had been postponed, citing MLB Network’s Bob Nightengale.

The announcement came shortly after Crow-Armstrong’s three-home-run performance, leading some fans to make humorous comments about the MVP race.

One fan joked that “PCA scared Ohtani,” while another suggested that Ohtani had seen Crow-Armstrong’s performance and decided the MVP race was becoming too difficult.

Other reactions similarly played on the timing, with fans joking that Ohtani was “ducking” Crow-Armstrong or stepping away after watching the Cubs outfielder’s huge day.

These comments were clearly presented as fan jokes rather than evidence that Ohtani’s pitching plans had anything to do with Crow-Armstrong’s performance.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Takes Control of NL MVP Race

Crow-Armstrong’s three-homer game significantly strengthened his position in the 2026 NL MVP conversation.

The Cubs star is enjoying an outstanding season, combining power at the plate with elite defensive ability. He is currently batting .282 with 36 home runs and 89 RBIs.

His defensive numbers have also helped separate him from other MVP contenders. Crow-Armstrong has recorded +23 Outs Above Average and a +24 Fielding Run Value, according to the statistics provided.

His latest performance has also influenced the MVP betting market. Crow-Armstrong is listed as the favorite at -190, while Ohtani is priced at +150.

Crow-Armstrong Receives MVP Chants at Wrigley Field

The Cubs faithful made their feelings clear after Crow-Armstrong completed his memorable performance.

Following his final plate appearance, the young outfielder received a standing ovation from the Wrigley Field crowd. Fans also responded with MVP chants as they celebrated his historic three-home-run game.

Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the supporters by raising his helmet and tipping his cap. He later described the reception as a special moment and expressed appreciation for the fans who continue to support him throughout the season.

He also explained that while the MVP chants are enjoyable, celebrating a Cubs victory with the fans is even more meaningful to him.

Shohei Ohtani Remains a Major MVP Threat

Despite the recent shift in the MVP betting market, Ohtani remains one of the most accomplished players in baseball and a major contender for the National League award.

The Dodgers superstar is in the third year of the 10-year, $700 million contract he signed with Los Angeles in December 2023.

Ohtani’s ability to contribute as both a hitter and pitcher makes him a unique MVP candidate. His postponed pitching start therefore attracted considerable attention, especially because it came on the same day Crow-Armstrong delivered one of the biggest performances of his career.

NL MVP Race Could Go Down to the Wire

The 2026 NL MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched individual awards of the season.

Crow-Armstrong’s combination of home-run power, run production and elite defense has put him at the center of the conversation. Ohtani, meanwhile, has the ability to change the race with his two-way contributions.

For now, Crow-Armstrong has the momentum after his historic performance against Cincinnati. Whether he can maintain that advantage through the remainder of the season will determine if he ultimately wins his first NL MVP award.

Key Takeaways

• Pete Crow-Armstrong hit three home runs against the Cincinnati Reds.
• He became the youngest player in Cubs history to hit three homers in one game.
• Shohei Ohtani’s scheduled Sunday pitching start was postponed.
• Fans jokingly linked the timing of the postponement to Crow-Armstrong’s MVP push.
• Crow-Armstrong is currently favored over Ohtani in the 2026 NL MVP betting market.