Potential Shohei Ohtani benching reminds us all that Pete Crow-Armstrong is NL MVP

Writer Jake Misener argues that Shohei Ohtani's late-season decline and potential postseason benching highlight why Pete Crow-Armstrong should win the National League MVP. Facing a 2-0 NLCS deficit against the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Ohtani's poor performance and physical issues, noting he plans to discuss what is best for the team going forward.

Misener points out that regular-season awards are decided before October, but Ohtani's second-half slump and injury struggles cleared the path for Crow-Armstrong. The Chicago Cubs outfielder posted superior second-half numbers and completed the first 40/40 season in Cubs history, which the writer believes should make him the unanimous NL MVP.