As the MLB season nears its 100th game milestone, several key players are hitting noteworthy points in their performances, promising excitement for fans and fantasy baseball enthusiasts alike.
Cody Bellinger: A Reflective Start
Cody Bellinger has always been a player to watch, but this season has seen a mix of both promise and underachievement. With nine home runs in 79 games so far, Bellinger's current pace doesn't quite match up to his previous season's tally of 26 home runs over 130 games. Fans are undoubtedly hopeful that he can find the momentum to boost his stats as the season progresses, given his impressive history on the field.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
In what is shaping up to be a challenging season for Nolan Arenado, his .702 OPS stands as the lowest of his career. Known for his consistent performance and powerful hitting, Arenado's current stats highlight the unpredictability of the sport. It's a stark contrast to the high standards he's set in previous years, leaving everyone eager to see if he can turn things around in the remaining games.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Standout Performance
Bright spots still shine through with players like Bobby Witt Jr., who went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in their Saturday game. His performance continues to be a focal point for his team, illustrating the potential impactful players can have even in individual games.
Alex Bregman: Consistency and Potential
Another player making waves is Alex Bregman. 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 a span of 13 games, he has maintained an impressive .885 OPS. His career stats against left-handed pitching are also notable, with a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. Such consistency makes Bregman a valuable asset for fantasy baseball managers.
Interestingly, Bregman will be going up against left-hander Hogan Harris of the Athletics on Monday, a pitcher who has a career ERA of 5.53. This matchup could further bolster Bregman's season statistics and provide exciting moments for spectators and fantasy players alike.
J.P. Crawford: A Risk Worth Taking?
J.P. Crawford presents a compelling case for fantasy baseball strategists. Priced similarly to Bregman at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford's performance against LHP this season includes a .284 batting average and an .805 OPS. Notably, he has hit four home runs in 88 at-bats against lefties, compared to five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handed pitching.
However, Crawford is currently battling the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite recent struggles, his history against Tyler Anderson, going 3-for-10 with two walks, indicates potential. Endorsed by McClure, a reputable fantasy strategist noted in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," Crawford could be a strategic pick for fantasy managers looking to capitalize on matchups and past performance metrics.
Conclusion
As the league progresses past its halfway mark, the dynamics of player performances offer a rich narrative of ups and downs. From Bellinger's quest to regain form, Arenado's unexpected slump, to the consistent play of Bregman and the potential of Crawford, each game brings a blend of anticipation and strategy. With fantasy sports adding another layer of interaction for fans, these individual performances are as crucial off the field as on, weaving the intricate and ever-changing tapestry of the MLB season.