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4d ago

Pete Crow‑Armstrong’s Three‑Homer Day Pushes Him To Front Of NL MVP Race

A breakout performance widened his value lead over Shohei Ohtani, prompting sportsbooks to make him the heavy favorite.

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Aug 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a two-run home run during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Aug 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Andrew Benintendi (23) hits a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the sixth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Pete Crow‑Armstrong went 4‑for‑6 with three home runs and six RBIs to fuel the Cubs’ 17‑5 win over the Reds on Saturday, producing the first three‑homer game of his career.
  • FanDuel and other sportsbooks shortened Crow‑Armstrong’s odds after the game, moving him to an overwhelming favorite (reported at about ‑1100) while placing Shohei Ohtani much farther back on the board.
  • Ohtani has not pitched in a major‑league game since July 3 because of left‑knee soreness and a right biceps issue, and his 20‑pitch bullpen session on Aug. 28 has not produced a firm timetable for a mound return.
  • Crow‑Armstrong entered the weekend leading key value metrics, with sources listing him among MLB leaders in WAR and elite defensive marks (Outs Above Average and defensive runs saved), plus 36 home runs and 32 steals on the season.
  • The surge bolsters Chicago’s playoff push by reinforcing the Cubs’ hold on the top NL wild‑card and gives voters a vivid late‑season moment to remember, though Ohtani’s potential pitching return still has the power to alter the race.