Crow-Armstrong's Historic 3-HR, 6-RBI Day Cements NL MVP Lead Over Ohtani

Key points

• Crow-Armstrong hit three home runs and drove in six runs in a 17-5 win over the Reds, marking his first career three-homer game.
• He leads all MLB players with 7.9 WAR, a figure that was already impressive before the August 29 game.
• Betting odds shifted from -390 to -1100 for Crow-Armstrong after the game, with Ohtani listed at +650.
• Ohtani has not pitched since early July due to a knee injury, limiting his two-way value despite solid hitting.
• Crow-Armstrong is the fourth player in 50 years to record 12 homers, 25 RBIs, and six steals in a single month.

Background

Crow-Armstrong emerged as the NL MVP favorite in early August after Ohtani’s pitching availability became uncertain due to a knee issue. Previous coverage noted that Crow-Armstrong’s elite defensive metrics and offensive breakout, including 26 home runs and 71 RBI by mid-August, had already shifted the narrative away from Ohtani’s two-way dominance. The Cubs’ recent success, including a walk-off win against the Blue Jays, has been heavily tied to Crow-Armstrong’s consistent production and baserunning.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports emphasizes the historic nature of Crow-Armstrong’s performance, noting he is the first Cubs player since 1974 to record four hits, three home runs, and six RBIs at Wrigley Field. Bleed Cubbie Blue highlights the team’s 150th anniversary celebration and the broader offensive explosion, with multiple players hitting home runs. Bleacher Report focuses on the statistical comparison, noting Crow-Armstrong’s 7.9 WAR lead and the Cubs’ status as the top wild-card team. All sources agree that Ohtani’s pitching absence is the primary factor shifting the MVP race, but CBS Sports and Bleacher Report provide more detailed betting odds and statistical context, while Bleed Cubbie Blue offers a more narrative-driven account of the game’s events.

Why it matters

Crow-Armstrong’s performance not only secures his position as the NL MVP favorite but also underscores the Cubs’ contention for the NL Central division and wild-card spots. His ability to combine elite defense, power, and speed makes him a rare two-way threat, contrasting with Ohtani’s current limitations. This shift in the MVP race reflects the changing dynamics of the National League, where all-around value is increasingly prioritized over single-skill dominance.

What to watch

The Cubs will face the Reds again on Sunday in a series finale, with Shota Imanaga starting for Chicago. Crow-Armstrong is expected to continue his MVP campaign, with the team aiming to close the 7.5-game gap to the Brewers in the NL Central. Ohtani’s return to pitching remains uncertain, but his hitting performance will continue to be monitored as the season progresses.