Bregman Edges Crow-Armstrong in Tightest Rizzo Award Race in 13 Years

October 2, 2026 - 18:35

Alex Bregman has claimed the 2026 Rizzo Award, finishing with a score of +26 to secure the honor for the Chicago Cubs. The margin was razor thin. Pete Crow-Armstrong pushed the race to the final tally, and when the numbers were locked in, it stood as the closest finish in the award's 13 year history.

The Rizzo Award recognizes the player who best embodies the blend of production, leadership, and clubhouse presence that defined Anthony Rizzo's tenure on the North Side. Bregman's win adds another line to a season that has already drawn attention for his steady bat and sharp defensive work at third base. His +26 score reflects consistent value on both sides of the ball rather than a single hot stretch.

Crow-Armstrong made the vote a genuine contest. His speed and defense turned routine plays into highlights all year, and his growth at the plate kept him in the conversation until the last day. Falling one point short stings, but the race itself says plenty about how highly the organization views him.

For Bregman, the honor is a validation of the quiet, daily work that does not always show up in a box score. For the Cubs, the narrow result points to something better than a single winner: a roster with multiple players pushing each other at the highest level.