In Atlanta, discussions about the National League MVP race seem to be concluding prematurely, with many assuming Shohei Ohtani is the inevitable winner, largely influenced by his star power and current betting odds on DraftKings. While Ohtani is undeniably one of the league’s top offensive talents and impressed enough as a designated hitter to win last season’s MVP, his pitching contribution this year has been limited to just nine innings, raising questions about how much value that adds over a long season.
Ohtani leads key offensive stats like runs, home runs, slugging, and OPS, blending great hitting with some pitching. However, his pitching impact is minimal compared to the volume of games, making him primarily an elite hitter this year. On the other hand, Pete Crow Armstrong presents a compelling case as an MVP candidate too, excelling in defense and baserunning. Armstrong covers a large portion of the Cubs’ outfield, contributes significantly on the bases, and outperforms Ohtani in steals and defensive value.
When comparing their hitting stats, Ohtani holds a slight edge, but Armstrong’s superior defense and baserunning close the gap considerably. WAR metrics from Fangraphs and Baseball Reference show Armstrong slightly ahead, suggesting he may offer more overall value despite Ohtani’s offensive dominance. The defensive element, which WAR captures differently in its calculations, tilts the balance toward Armstrong.
Ultimately, Ohtani is the better hitter, but Crow Armstrong’s defensive excellence and baserunning prowess could make him more valuable overall. Fans should recognize that the MVP race is far from decided; Armstrong represents a serious contender who blends multiple dimensions of skill that often go underappreciated compared to hitting and pitching alone.
Fan Take: This debate highlights how multifaceted baseball talent is beyond just hitting stats and star power—defense and baserunning can significantly impact a player’s value. For fans, it shows that MVP considerations should include all aspects of the game, making the race more exciting and emphasizing the diverse skills that contribute to team success.
