The 2026 National League MVP plaque would be heading to Chicago if it was up to Sammy Sosa.

The Cubs legend instructed the California Post on Thursday that he believes Pete Crow-Armstrong is more deserving of the coveted honor this yr than Shohei Ohtani.

Sammy Sosa on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

“Shohei Ohtani is one of the greatest,” Sosa said while strolling the crimson carpet at the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation twenty sixth Anniversary Celebrity Dinner. “Nobody is going to take that away from him. But I believe that this year, the MVP is looking to Chi Town, Chicago.”

Chicago Cubs heart fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) is seen on the area against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Washington, District of Columbia. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs’ star outfielder, is presently considered as a slight favourite to win the award over Ohtani, the Dodgers’ must-see two-way participant.

Crow-Armstrong has 31 house runs, 31 stolen bases and a .279 batting common in 128 video games. Ohtani, meanwhile, has logged 30 house runs, seven stolen bases and a .291 batting common in 118 contests.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani reacts in the dugout during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

And while Ohtani has pitched at an All-Star degree in addition to being one of the most feared hitters in the sport, Crow-Armstrong’s centerfield protection has arguably been the greatest in the league.

The Post’s Jon Heyman gave the slight edge to Crow-Armstrong on Thursday morning — something Sosa made clear later in the day that he agreed with.

“I’d have to say Pete has a lot of opportunity, a lot of possibility to be an MVP the way he’s been carrying the team; the way he’s been having the year that he’s been having,” Sosa said.