MLB insider bashes WAR in PCA vs Shohei Ohtani MVP discussion

The NL MVP Award battle between Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani is as fierce as ever. Given that both players have tangibles working in their favor, deciding who the MVP is could be a flip of a coin at this point.

But it obviously doesn’t work like that.

When it comes to PCA vs. Ohtani, some who say PCA is MVP do so because he has a high WAR (Wins Above Replacement). However, MLB insider Jon Heyman says that WAR is overrated. Therefore, Ohtani should once again be MVP, per The MLB Network.

“Somehow WAR is overrating center fielders…”

"Somehow WAR is overrating center fielders…"@JonHeyman shares his thoughts on the NL MVP race in regards to comparing the value of Pete Crow-Armstrong's defense to Shohei Ohtani's pitching. https://t.co/TkmzBH8TSt pic.twitter.com/famWlChq0E

— MLB Now (@MLBNow) August 6, 2026

Meanwhile, MLB Network host Brian Kenny is saying that PCA should be the MVP and compared the numbers.

“If I had a vote and had to vote today, I’d vote for Pete Crow-Armstrong.”

Ironically enough, both the Cubs and Dodgers just completed a three-game series at Wrigley Field. A series in which the Cubs swept the Dodgers, but also PCA and Ohtani were center stage.

Additionally, both spoke of the race in their own way. Ohtani celebrated PCA’s game while keeping the focus on staying healthy after a recent knee injury.

Also, PCA would like to win MVP, but it’s all about winning.

The last heightened NL MVP battle was in 2023. It was between Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Mookie Betts of the Dodgers. Acuña got off to a hot start and was the heavy favorite. But then, Betts put up strong numbers in the second half of the season.

In the end, Acuña received the unanimous NL MVP.

If PCA wins, it will be his first, whereas Ohtani would win his fourth straight. ,

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