Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is approaching Thursday’s National League MVP announcement with more on his mind than the possibility of beating Shohei Ohtani for the award.
Crow-Armstrong joins the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar and Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang as the three finalists. MLB Network’s announcement show begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
The recognition follows a season in which Crow-Armstrong combined power, speed and standout defense. Before learning the result, however, the Cubs star outfielder explained what he anticipates most about the evening.
“Ross and Rizzo Unfiltered,” hosted by David Ross and Anthony Rizzo, shared a clip Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, capturing his perspective ahead of the reveal.
“I'm flying in everybody that I feel has like played a direct part in my success. I get to have all of the people that I'm really grateful for in one place, and I think I'm most looking forward to that.”
It would mean the WORLD for PCA to win the MVP surrounded by the people who made him the player he is today ❤️🏆 pic.twitter.com/rqYV9Eness
— Ross and Rizzo Unfiltered (@RossAndRizzo) November 12, 2026
Crow-Armstrong also discussed his eagerness to turn his attention toward next season:
Article Continues Below“I don't want to sound ungrateful. I think I'm mostly ready to just move past it. If I'm being honest, I love looking forward to the next season. It feels like Thursday might be my baseball New Year's. I finally get to to move on.”
The 24-year-old finished with 45 home runs and 41 stolen bases, becoming the first Cubs player to reach 40 homers and 40 steals in one season. He also ranked second in MLB with 48.8 weighted runs above average, behind AL MVP finalist Yordan Alvarez’s 62.7.
Crow-Armstrong hit .280/.372/.570 with 107 RBIs and 119 runs in 162 games, adding a second consecutive Gold Glove. Thursday’s announcement will reveal whether he adds NL MVP honors, with voting completed before the postseason.