Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has transformed himself into one of the most complete young stars in Major League Baseball, and his remarkable 2026 campaign has now earned him an extraordinary position in ESPN’s latest MLB player rankings.
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Crow-Armstrong has climbed all the way to No. 2 on the list, placing him directly behind Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. The ranking represents a major jump for the Cubs center fielder, whose offensive development has helped turn him from a promising defensive specialist into a legitimate MVP candidate.
Crow-Armstrong’s improvement has been evident across virtually every aspect of his game. He has emerged as one of the National League’s most dangerous players at the plate while continuing to provide elite defense in center field and significant value on the basepaths.
Rogers highlighted Crow-Armstrong’s combination of production and versatility, noting that he ranks among the league leaders in OPS, stolen bases and Outs Above Average. That combination makes him unusually valuable because he is impacting games with his bat, speed and glove rather than relying on just one part of his skill set.
Perhaps the most impressive development has been his improvement in plate discipline. Crow-Armstrong has raised his on-base percentage by roughly 100 points compared with last season, demonstrating that his offensive breakout is about more than simply hitting more home runs. He is making better decisions at the plate, reaching base more consistently and still maintaining the power that has made him such a dangerous hitter.
His numbers through Aug. 13 underline just how productive the season has become. Crow-Armstrong is hitting approximately .284 with 27 home runs, 73 RBIs, 86 runs scored and 30 stolen bases. He has already surpassed his previous career high in home runs, and with more than a month remaining in the regular season, he has a legitimate opportunity to push those numbers considerably higher.
The Cubs have benefited enormously from that production. Crow-Armstrong has become one of the primary catalysts behind Chicago’s pursuit of the NL Central title, with the Cubs battling the Milwaukee Brewers near the top of the division. His ability to change games with power, speed and defense has made him one of the central figures in Chicago’s postseason hopes.
Can Crow-Armstrong Catch Ohtani?
While reaching No. 2 is a remarkable accomplishment, the biggest challenge remaining is obvious: overtaking Ohtani for the top spot.
Crow-Armstrong himself jokingly used the word “dethrone” when discussing Ohtani and the National League MVP race around the All-Star break. What initially sounded like playful confidence has become considerably more realistic after his continued production.
To make a serious push for the top spot and potentially strengthen his MVP case, Crow-Armstrong could aim to finish the season with at least 30 home runs and 40 stolen bases, while continuing to provide elite defense in center field.
That combination would make his overall case extremely difficult to ignore. A player capable of producing middle-of-the-order power, stealing bases at a high rate and simultaneously ranking among baseball’s best defensive outfielders offers an incredibly rare package of value.
There is also another factor that could dramatically elevate his standing: October success.
If Crow-Armstrong can lead Chicago through a deep postseason run and potentially help the Cubs eliminate the heavily favored Dodgers his profile could rise even further. A dominant playoff performance would give his 2026 season an even bigger storyline and potentially strengthen his claim as one of baseball’s most influential players.
For now, Ohtani remains the player Crow-Armstrong has to catch. But the gap is no longer simply about potential. PCA has turned his breakout season into a legitimate superstar campaign, and ESPN’s No. 2 ranking shows just how far he has climbed.
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