What happened: Pete Crow-Armstrong was named the 2026 National League Most Valuable Player. The honor caps a campaign in which he joined the 40/40 club as the seventh player in Major League Baseball history. Crow-Armstrong took home the award unanimously following earlier selections for the Hank Aaron Award and Platinum Glove honors.
Why it matters: The award solidifies Crow-Armstrong's rise into one of baseball's premier two-way stars after overhauling his offensive mechanics during the season. His combination of elite outfield defense and 40-40 production elevates expectations heading into the 2027 campaign. The unanimous selection also marks the first time an NL center fielder has captured the MVP in the same year as a Platinum Glove.
By the numbers: 45 home runs and 41 stolen bases in 2026, marking the seventh 40-40 season in MLB history.
What to watch: Offseason preparations now turn toward the 2027 campaign as rosters take shape ahead of spring training.