As teams gear up for the approaching milestone of their 100th game of the MLB season, the league is abuzz with standout performances and key statistics that highlight individual players' contributions and struggles this year. Let's delve into some of the significant narratives capturing attention as of late.
Cody Bellinger's Home Run Prowess
Cody Bellinger has shown promising power at the plate this season. Over the 79 games he has played, Bellinger has launched nine home runs, showcasing his ability to be a consistent threat to opposing pitchers. This output is noteworthy, especially when compared to his performance last season, where he notched 26 home runs over 130 games. The data suggests that if Bellinger continues at this pace, he could potentially surpass his previous season's home run tally with ease.
Nolan Arenado's Offensive Struggle
On the other end of the spectrum, Nolan Arenado's season has been marked by a struggle to find his usual form. Arenado's .702 OPS is the lowest of his career, a stark contrast to the high standards he has set over the years. This dip in performance is a surprising development for a player of his caliber, and it raises questions about what adjustments he may need to make to return to his typical offensive prowess.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Recent Success
Bobby Witt Jr. provided a spark in his team's recent game, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Witt's performance highlights his potential to be a crucial player as the season progresses, delivering when his team needs it the most. Consistent contributions like these will be vital for his team as they navigate the latter part of the season.
Alex Bregman: A Hot Commodity
Alex Bregman has also been a standout player, especially in daily fantasy sports circles. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman represents solid value for fantasy managers. His recent form since July 4 has been impressive, hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. Bregman's .885 OPS during this period underscores his effectiveness at the plate.
Additionally, Bregman has historically handled left-handed pitching well, with a career batting average of .278 and an .862 OPS against southpaws. With the Athletics scheduled to start LHP Hogan Harris, who has a career 5.53 ERA, Bregman is positioned to capitalize on this favorable matchup and continue his hot streak.
J.P. Crawford's Mixed Season
Another player to watch is J.P. Crawford, valued at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel. Crawford's overall performance against Tyler Anderson includes a 3-for-10 record with two walks. This season, he is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against left-handed pitchers, alongside four home runs in 88 at-bats against them. Against right-handed pitchers, Crawford has managed five home runs across 206 at-bats.
Despite these decent splits, Crawford is facing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Such a slump in performance might deter some fantasy managers; however, McClure, recognized in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. McClure's endorsement could sway those looking for a potentially undervalued player to boost their fantasy lineups.
In summary, as MLB teams reach the 100-game mark, individual player performances continue to shape the season's narrative. Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman are making significant impacts, while Nolan Arenado faces challenges. Players like Bobby Witt Jr. and J.P. Crawford have the potential to be game changers, underscoring the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the sport. As fans and fantasy managers alike follow these developments, the remainder of the season promises to deliver more excitement and intrigue.