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Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as the frontrunner for the National League MVP award, according to betting markets, significantly diminishing Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s chances of winning a fourth consecutive MVP title. Fanatics Markets currently price Crow-Armstrong’s odds at $0.93 to win $1, while Ohtani’s odds have deteriorated to just $0.08 for the same payout, indicating a dramatic shift in the race’s dynamics.
Crow-Armstrong’s exceptional August performance has propelled him ahead of the defending champion. The Cubs outfielder has posted impressive season statistics, batting .283 with 38 home runs and 91 RBIs, translating to an 8.5 bWAR. His recent dominance includes hitting five home runs over two games this weekend and becoming the sixth player ever to hit both a leadoff and walk-off home run in the same contest.
Meanwhile, Ohtani’s candidacy has suffered due to both declining performance metrics and recent injury concerns. Though his season line of .280 with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs remains respectable, he trails Crow-Armstrong in key statistical categories. Over his last 11 games, Ohtani has hit just .133 with one home run, representing a significant downturn that has weakened his MVP case considerably.
Despite the individual MVP setback, the Dodgers’ pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship remains intact. Ohtani would need an exceptional September rebound coupled with a slump from Crow-Armstrong to realistically re-enter the MVP conversation.
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Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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