An MLB player poll suggests that a fascinating National League MVP race may not be as close as it seems. ESPN's Jesse Rogers asked 21 players to pick a winner between Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani. Fifteen of them chose Crow-Armstrong to dethrone Ohtani, who's seeking his fourth consecutive MVP award and fifth of the last six seasons.
Four players backed Ohtani, and two voted for the stars to share the honor. Ohtani continues to break the mold by posting a .949 OPS at the plate and 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. Yet the 32-year-old hasn't pitched since July 3.
Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong pairs 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases with elite defense in center field. The 24-year-old leads all position players with 24 outs above average. Some players gave Crow-Armstrong the edge because of his exceptional glove work, especially with Ohtani currently not pitching and working exclusively as a designated hitter.
"In the true sense of the word, the guy that plays every day probably makes more of an impact on the team every single day," Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins said. "That's how I would weigh it. If Ohtani is pitching, there's not much room.
Anyone that's watched PCA or the Cubs over the last two months, this guy is the best player on the field every time he's on the field." "If Ohtani was pitching, it would probably be him," Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brady Singer said. "PCA has been incredible. He's electric." On the other hand, Ohtani remains a top-shelf slugger who pitched like a Cy Young Award candidate for three months.
He's maybe the greatest player of all time, and I know the MVP is a 'this year' award, but I just think Ohtani is the greatest," Chicago White Sox catcher Drew Romo said. "That first half on the mound was enough for me." Momentum nevertheless seems to be growing behind Crow-Armstrong, who surpassed Ohtani as the new MVP betting favorite on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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