Ohtani’s Unanimous MVP Victory Overshadows Cubs’ Crow-Armstrong
The Chicago Cubs celebrated a successful return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, fueled by standout performances from various players. Among those considered for the National League MVP award, Pete Crow-Armstrong emerged as a notable contender. However, the accolades were once again swept away by the remarkable Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who secured the MVP title for the second consecutive year with a clean sweep of all 30 first-place votes.
A Historic MVP Win for Ohtani
Ohtani’s unanimous MVP victory cements his status as one of the most dominant forces in baseball today. His extraordinary talent and versatility on the field have captivated fans and analysts alike, making him a hard act to follow. Following Ohtani in the voting was Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, who claimed the second spot, while Juan Soto of the New York Mets rounded out the top three.
Crow-Armstrong’s Impressive Yet Modest Finish
In the midst of this elite competition, Pete Crow-Armstrong found himself in ninth place, garnering a total of 63 points. His performance included two fifth-place votes, the highest rank he achieved on any of the ballots. This season marked his second full year in the Major Leagues, during which he not only earned his first selection as an NL All-Star but also clinched his inaugural NL Gold Glove award for his defensive prowess in center field.
Crow-Armstrong finished the season with a slash line of .247/.287/.481, contributing 31 home runs and 95 RBIs to the Cubs’ success. His efforts were significant, yet they fell short in the fiercely competitive MVP landscape.
Other Cubs Players in the MVP Mix
The Cubs also had other players making their mark in the MVP voting. First baseman Michael Busch finished in sixteenth place, accumulating 11 points. He received a fourth-place vote and a fifth-place vote, showcasing a breakout second season with the Cubs. Busch slashed .261/.343/.523, hitting 34 home runs and driving in 90 runs, all career highs after joining the Cubs in a trade from the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season.
Another name to note is Nico Hoerner, who claimed nineteenth place with five points. Hoerner, a two-time NL Gold Glove winner, had a solid season, posting a slash line of .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs and 61 RBIs. His contributions included 29 doubles and four triples, as he played in over 135 games for the fourth consecutive season.
Final MVP Voting Highlights
For those interested in the details of the MVP voting, the full ballots are available to view, reflecting the competitive nature of the league and the impressive performances that defined the season.
As the Cubs look to build on their playoff success, the recognition of their players in MVP discussions highlights the potential for even greater achievements in the seasons to come.
