As the MLB season approaches its unofficial milestone of 100 games, teams and players are hitting critical points in their respective campaigns. For star players like Cody Bellinger and Nolan Arenado, the season has brought mixed results, while others like Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford are garnering attention for their current performances.
Cody Bellinger: Searching for Power
Cody Bellinger, the standout outfielder, has had a relatively quiet season compared to his previous years. In 79 games this season, Bellinger has managed to send nine balls over the fence. This stands in contrast to his performance last season when he hit 26 home runs over 130 games. The decline in home runs raises questions about potential adjustments needed or lingering issues impacting his swing.
Nolan Arenado: A Career Low
Similarly, Nolan Arenado is experiencing a significant dip in his offensive output. With a .702 OPS this season, Arenado is recording the lowest OPS of his career. This decrease in productivity is notable for a player who has been a consistent powerhouse at the plate throughout his tenure in the majors.
Bobby Witt Jr.: A Bright Spot
On a more positive note, Bobby Witt Jr. showed a spark of brilliance in his recent performance. In their Saturday matchup, Witt went 3-for-4, including a double, an RBI, and a run scored. It’s these kinds of stellar performances that build confidence and momentum as the season progresses.
Alex Bregman: Rising Star
Alex Bregman has been producing at a high level since July 4. His stats over 13 games include a .314 batting average, three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. Historically, Bregman has also been highly effective against left-handed pitchers, holding a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS.
With the Athletics starting LHP Hogan Harris on Monday—who has a career 5.53 ERA—Bregman appears to be in a favorable matchup. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman is an attractive option for fantasy players looking to leverage his current form and historical success against lefties.
J.P. Crawford: Endorsed Choice
J.P. Crawford finds himself endorsed by McClure, noted in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune.” Despite experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, Crawford offers potential value in daily fantasy lineups.
His career performance against Tyler Anderson stands at 3-for-10 with two walks, and he has been notably better against southpaws this season, batting .284 with an .805 OPS. Crawford's situational stats, with four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers and five in 206 at-bats against right-handers, underscore his balanced approach at the plate.
Priced similarly to Bregman at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford provides an intriguing option for those looking to optimize their fantasy rosters, especially given his situational hitting success this season.
As we move deeper into the season, the performances of these players will undoubtedly play pivotal roles in their teams' pursuits of postseason berths. For fantasy players and fans alike, keeping an eye on these metrics and matchups will be crucial in navigating the remaining games of the year.