Shohei Ohtani is doing what Shohei Ohtani does: dominating the game, dazzling fans, and charging toward what could be a third straight NL MVP title. The Dodgers’ two-way phenom has been nearly untouchable this season. But what if the biggest threat to his crown is a 23-year-old rookie from the Chicago Cubs? And as it turns out, the loudest voice backing that dark horse MVP isn’t even playing right now. Enter the Cubs’ injured starting pitcher, who’s making waves from the sidelines with a bold prediction.

Yes, Justin Steele surely has someone in mind to be crowned as the NL MVP of 2025. Even though he has been sidelined because of a shoulder injury, he is not separated from baseball. He is closely watching his team in every single game, showing support and even making bold predictions. This time, it’s for his fellow teammate, 23-year-old center fielder sensation Pete Crow-Armstrong.

After Chicago’s 8-3 victory against the Nationals on Tuesday night, Steele took to X, praising the team’s baserunning efforts, and he didn’t forget to drop a strong prediction: “Also: season ends today, PCA is your MVP. Get over it.” It’s normal for teammates to hype each other up, but this one feels like more than just words floating in the air. If Crow-Armstrong wins the award, it would be Chicago’s first since Kris Bryant. Steele’s take is not one to be written off; it has every chance of becoming true.

Crow-Armstrong is a joy to watch this season, one of the game’s most exciting players; there is no doubt about that. He has been at the forefront of MVP predictions. And guess what? MLB.com’s latest MVP Poll ranks him second, just behind Ohtani, making the MVP race even more exciting. To add to the effect, he just achieved another huge milestone in his career. He became the fourth-fastest player in modern MLB history to reach 15 home runs and 20 base steals in just 60 games. How cool is that? This rookie has started to rewrite history.

He is now slashing .281/.319/.562 with an OPS of .880 this season. He is currently in third with 51 RBIs. All of these stats point to one thing: he is definitely a strong contender against Ohtani. Well, Steele clearly believes it, and he has shown his support more than once. A few weeks ago, on the Marquee Sports Network, he said, “He’s gonna be a superstar for a really long time,” about PCA. Well, that prediction’s already starting to look real.

The buzz is building, his reputation’s soaring, and even the Reds’ manager couldn’t help but jump on the hype train.

Reds manager praises Pete Crow-Armstrong

The Cubs just won the series against the Reds by taking two of the three games, and there is no denying that Crow-Armstrong’s offensive prowess has been a clear part of it. It is too hard for any manager not to acknowledge true talent, and Reds manager Terry Francona is no different. When a talent like PCA is out on display, there is no help in holding back.

“He’s got a lot of weapons to beat you,” Francona said, admiring the rookie’s abilities. “You start to know that you belong. And not just belong—you kinda dominate,” he added. Crow-Armstrong’s star power is off the charts, so much so that even rival teams are singing his praises, and that’s saying something in a sport this competitive. Well, he has clearly made a habit of impressing the MLB world, and that is helping this 23-year-old star skyrocket his value just like that.

Last month, The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney predicted that Crow-Armstrong could expect “clearly a nine-figure commitment,” and it is not a long shot anymore. He ended up rejecting a contract extension deal from the Cubs earlier this summer, potentially worth around $75 million. As he emerges as an NL MVP candidate, he has every reason to believe he made the right decision, as every team is now eyeing this sensational talent.