As the MLB season progresses, teams are gearing up for their 100th game, marking a significant moment in the long journey toward the postseason. With this milestone on the horizon, several players' performances and statistics are coming under close scrutiny.
Cody Bellinger: A Comparative Look
Cody Bellinger's power at the plate has been a topic of interest this year. With nine home runs in 79 games, his current season falls short of last year's pace, where he belted 26 home runs across 130 games. The differences in his performance are noteworthy for both fans and analysts keeping a close eye on his impact.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
Nolan Arenado, known for his consistent offensive contributions, faces an unexpected dip this season. His .702 OPS is the lowest of his career, a surprising downturn for the typically reliable slugger. This change could significantly impact the dynamics of his team as they navigate through the latter half of the season.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Standout Performance
In contrast, Bobby Witt Jr. showcased his skills in their recent matchup on Saturday, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Witt Jr.'s performance highlights his potential and consistency, offering a glimpse into the bright future of the young player.
Alex Bregman: A Solid Investment
Fantasy baseball enthusiasts should take note of Alex Bregman's recent uptick in performance. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman has been hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored since July 4. Over these 13 games, his .885 OPS showcases a player in fine form.
Bregman's career numbers against left-handed pitching are impressive, with a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. This bodes well as the Athletics are set to start LHP Hogan Harris on Monday, a pitcher with a career 5.53 ERA. For those looking to optimize their fantasy baseball lineup, Bregman presents a compelling option.
J.P. Crawford's Seasonal Struggles
Similarly priced to Bregman, J.P. Crawford is another player worth considering in fantasy lineups, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel. Crawford's career stats against Tyler Anderson show a respectable 3-for-10 with two walks.
This season, Crawford has been effective against southpaws, batting .284 with an .805 OPS. He has four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers, contrasting with five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handed pitchers. Despite experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his career, the endorsement by McClure, known for his insights in "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," suggests Crawford's potential utility.
McClure’s support for rostering Crawford is anchored in the player’s historical performance and his adaptability at the plate. As fantasy baseball managers look for value, Crawford’s metrics against specific pitching matchups could provide a strategic advantage.
As we move towards the 100th game milestone, these individual player narratives contribute to the broader tapestry of the season. Each performance, whether consistent or a sudden change, adds to the ongoing story of the MLB season, offering fans and analysts alike plenty to discuss and anticipate.