As the MLB season approaches its 100th game for many teams, several key players are under the spotlight. Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, and Alex Bregman have each had seasons worth noting, with statistical highlights and challenges that capture the attention of baseball enthusiasts and fantasy managers alike.
Cody Bellinger's Power Display
Cody Bellinger, a formidable force at the plate, has accumulated nine home runs in 79 games this season. Although his pace this year differs from last season, where he hit 26 home runs in 130 games, his ability to impact games with his power remains undeniable. Bellinger’s contribution is crucial as his team looks to him for key hits in the second half of the season.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
In contrast, Nolan Arenado is experiencing a challenging season. With a .702 OPS, this marks the lowest OPS of his career. For a player known for his extraordinary consistency and power, this dip in performance is a point of concern. Arenado will be looking to turn his season around as the games progress, and monitoring his performance will be essential for those invested in his success.
Bobby Witt Jr. Shines Bright
On a brighter note, Bobby Witt Jr. showcased his skills in a recent game, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. His impressive performance on Saturday highlights his potential and reliability, making him a key player to watch as the season unfolds.
Alex Bregman's Steady Performance
Alex Bregman has been a consistent performer since early July. 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 over that period. His .885 OPS over 13 games further underscores his form. Additionally, Bregman’s career batting average of .278 and an OPS of .862 against left-handed pitching affirm his strength in such matchups.
With the Athletics set to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris, who holds a career ERA of 5.53, Bregman’s prowess against southpaws will be especially advantageous. Fantasy managers and team strategists will keenly watch how Bregman capitalizes on this opportunity.
J.P. Crawford's Dual Threat
J.P. Crawford has also drawn attention for his reliable play. His career performance against Tyler Anderson—3-for-10 with two walks—along with his season stats of batting .284 with an .805 OPS against left-handed pitchers, make him a viable pick. Despite having four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitching and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handed pitching, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career.
Fantasy expert McClure, renowned for his coverage in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. This endorsement highlights Crawford’s potential to outperform his current statistics and bring value to those who bring him into their fantasy lineups.
As the MLB season continues to unfold, these players’ performances will be pivotal not just for their teams, but for fans and fantasy managers who closely follow their stats and output. With each game a stepping stone, every hit, and every run bring their narratives further into focus.