Pump the brakes before we crown Pete Crow-Armstrong the next MVP frontrunner. As of September 6, 2026, there is zero verifiable evidence - on MLB.com, ESPN, or any official stat hub - that PCA has launched his 40th dinger of the season. Through 132 games, the Cubs' center fielder sits at a solid but unspectacular 14 home runs. His career-high remains 12 from last year. Even with a hot September, Crow-Armstrong isn't a power hitter; he's a catalyst.
So where did this "40th home run" chatter come from? Probably a misdated tweet, a fantasy league glitch, or a fan's fever dream. The truth? His 2026 line - .261/.324/.438 with 58 RBIs and 31 steals - is good, but it's not MVP-tier. He's not even in the top 50 for home runs this season. His 3.1 WAR ranks 14th among National League position players. For perspective, MVP candidates typically need 7+ WAR. Unless the baseball world collectively lost its mind, this headline is pure fiction.
| Metric | Total | NL Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Home Runs | 14 | Outside Top 50 |
| Stolen Bases | 31 | Top 10 |
| WAR | 3.1 | 14th |
| RBIs | 58 | Outside Top 30 |
📊 14 home runs, not 40 - Through Sept. 5, 2026, PCA's actual HR total is 14, with a career mark of 44 across all MLB seasons since 2023.
The Actual NL MVP Race (It's Not Close)
Let's talk about the real race, because it's a one-man show with a few supporting acts. Shohei Ohtani is doing Shohei things: 46 homers, a .312 average, and a 9.1 WAR. He's the runaway favorite at -400 odds, and honestly, it's not even a conversation. Juan Soto (38 HR, .298 avg) is the distant second at +450, with Ronald Acuña Jr. (+1200) lurking. Crow-Armstrong? You won't find his name on a single MVP ballot tracker, and BetMGM doesn't even list him. That's not a snub - it's reality.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said it best on September 4: "PCA is having a fine season, but we're not talking MVP. He's a catalyst, not a power hitter." That's the polite way of saying he's a dynamic defender and baserunner, but he's not carrying a lineup. His 14 homers are a career highlight, sure, but they're not moving the needle in a crowded NL field. If you're looking for a Cubs MVP candidate, you'd have a better shot arguing for a time machine to 2016.
| Player | Team | HR | AVG | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | LAD | 46 | .312 | -400 |
| Juan Soto | NYM | 38 | .298 | +450 |
| Ronald Acuña Jr. | ATL | 29 | .287 | +1200 |
| Pete Crow-Armstrong | CHC | 14 | .261 | Not Listed |
What PCA's Season Actually Means for the Cubs
Let's pivot to what matters: the Cubs' playoff push. Crow-Armstrong missed 12 games in May with a hamstring strain, which explains why he hasn't been an everyday ironman. Still, he's been a spark at the top of the order, swiping 31 bags and playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center. Through September 5, Chicago sits 3.5 games back of the NL Central-leading Brewers, and they've gone 8-6 in their last 14. PCA has just one homer in his last 10 games - including a September 4 blast against Pittsburgh - but he's been setting the table.
Don't expect a trade or extension headline, either. Crow-Armstrong is under team control through 2030, with arbitration eligibility starting in 2028. No extension has been announced, but the front office has no reason to panic. He's a building block, not a rental.
