If you’re ever in a debate about who the best MLB player was in 2026, just pull up this article and show them that the players literally voted, and they picked Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Chicago Cubs center fielder has already been named the Defensive Player of the Year by the Fielding Bible; he’ll win his second Gold Glove in a few days, a Platinum Glove will also go up on his mantle, and in November, PCA will be honored as the 2026 National League MVP. For now, Cubs fans can celebrate PCA’s latest awards: Players Choice NL Outstanding Player and Player of the Year for 2026.
Another reminder: the players voted on these awards, and Crow-Armstrong was the easy winner.
“Going in every year, I always find myself not setting goals. I don’t want to be chasing numbers here. I’m not looking at it like I want these numbers because they’re good numbers. I want these numbers knowing I did everything to help my team win.” -Pete Crow-Armstrong
The Cubs’ center fielder played in all 162 games in 2026, at times seeming to will the team to victory on his own. He finished the year tied with Kyle Schwarber for most home runs in MLB with 45, but he also added 41 stolen bases and recorded the best defensive season among outfielders in the Statcast era dating back to 2016.
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PCA became the latest member of the 40/40 club and the first Cubs player to ever join it. Crow-Armstrong’s 2026 season also featured a reverse cycle against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field on June 15.
PCA had seven multi-home run games in 2026, including three against the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 29.
It’s been an incredible year for Pete Crow-Armstrong, who will be the undisputed MVP, and it would be a tragedy if he didn’t win unanimously. This dude was amazing in 2026, and the guys who played with and against him have already acknowledged it with these Players’ Choice Awards.
Here are all the winners of the 2026 Players Choice Awards.
AL Outstanding Player
Yordan Alvarez – Houston Astros
NL Outstanding Player
Pete Crow-Armstrong – Chicago Cubs
AL Outstanding Pitcher
Cam Schlittler – New York Yankees
NL Outstanding Pitcher
Jacob Misiorowski – Milwaukee Brewers
AL Comeback Player
Yordan Alvarez – Houston Astros
NL Comeback Player
Zack Wheeler – Philadelphia Phillies
Player of the Year
Pete Crow-Armstrong – Chicago Cubs
Marvin Miller Man of the Year
Chris Bassitt – Baltimore Orioles
Philanthropist of the Year
Jake Burger – Texas Rangers
Curt Flood Award
David Cone
