Caminero, Crow-Armstrong lead 2026 MVP finalists list

MLB Network released the list of finalists for the 2026 season awards on Monday, placing Junior Caminero and Pete Crow-Armstrong at the head of the MVP race. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America will cast votes for all categories, with winners scheduled to be revealed between Nov. 9 and Nov. 12.

Caminero, who helped the Tampa Bay Rays reach the World Series, is joined in the American League by Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. In the National League, Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers round out the group alongside Crow-Armstrong.

The statistical lines for the MVP candidates show different paths to the top. Caminero batted .276 with 42 home runs and 101 RBIs. Alvarez posted a .316 average, 42 home runs, and 106 RBIs. Witt finished with a .281 average, 18 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 45 stolen bases.

Crow-Armstrong tied for the league lead with 45 home runs and drove in 107 runs while batting .280. Turang recorded 21 home runs and 100 RBIs on a .268 average. Ohtani contributed 30 home runs and 81 RBIs while also serving as a pitcher, finishing with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. Injuries limited Ohtani to a final pitching appearance on July 3.

Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers is the heavy favorite for the National League Cy Young Award. The right-hander led the majors with a 1.80 ERA, a 0.80 WHIP, and 252 strikeouts while going 16-5. Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies are his opponents in the voting. Misiorowski told MLB Network that his success came from believing in himself and trusting those around him.

In the American League, New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler posted a 1.95 ERA and a 14-6 record. He competes against Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease and Cleveland Guardians rookie Parker Messick. Messick, who is also a Rookie of the Year finalist, compiled a 1.06 WHIP in his debut season.

Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds is the prohibitive favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year award. He hit 32 home runs and drove in 111 runs on a .263 average. He faces competition from Carson Benge of the New York Mets and JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals. In the American League, Detroit Tigers outfielder Kevin McGonigle and Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle join Messick on the ballot.

The award schedule begins on Nov. 9 with the Rookie of the Year announcements. Manager of the Year awards follow on Nov. 10. The Cy Young and Relief Pitcher of the Year awards will be announced on Nov. 11, with the MVP winners named on Nov. 12.