As Major League Baseball approaches the milestone 100th game of the season, fans and analysts alike are taking stock of player performances and team trajectories. Key players like Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Bobby Witt Jr., Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford have all shown varying degrees of form and prowess on the field, each with their unique storylines and statistical highlights.
Bellinger and Arenado: Contrasting Seasons
Cody Bellinger, known for his power at the plate, has hit nine home runs in just 79 games this season. While this shows a decent level of production, it’s a notable slowdown compared to his 26 home runs in 130 games last season. His progression this year will be closely monitored as the season heads into the home stretch.
Nolan Arenado, often celebrated for his offensive consistency, is experiencing a challenging season with a .702 OPS. This marks the lowest OPS of his career, a surprising dip for the star third baseman. Fans will be keen to see if he can turn things around and help boost his team's offensive output.
Witt Jr. Shines in Recent Matchup
Bobby Witt Jr. made waves in his recent performance, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in last Saturday's game. His contribution was a bright spot and showcased his potential to be a pivotal player for his team as they navigate the final phase of the regular season.
DraftKings and FanDuel Insights: Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman continues to be a focal point for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman offers intriguing value. Since July 4th, he's been on an impressive streak, hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His .885 OPS during this span highlights his offensive surge.
Historically, Bregman has fared well against left-handed pitching, boasting a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. With the Athletics set to start left-hander Hogan Harris, who has a career 5.53 ERA, Bregman’s track record against southpaws makes him an enticing pick for daily fantasy sports players.
J.P. Crawford: A Season of Contrasts
J.P. Crawford, also priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, presents another interesting fantasy option. In his eight-year career, Crawford is currently experiencing his lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643). However, his performance against left-handed pitching this season offers a silver lining.
Crawford is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, hitting four home runs in 88 at-bats—a noteworthy contrast to his stats against right-handers, where he has five home runs in 206 at-bats. His specific success against Tyler Anderson (3-for-10 with two walks) further highlights his potential impact in upcoming matchups.
McClure's Endorsement
Fantasy sports expert McClure, noted for his insights 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 could sway many fantasy managers as they make their roster decisions for upcoming games.
As we move further into the baseball season, these players and their performances will undoubtedly capture the attention of fans and analysts. Whether it's Bellinger trying to regain his home run prowess, Arenado striving to boost his OPS, or the fantasy sports implications of Bregman and Crawford's stats, the ongoing narrative of the MLB season promises excitement and intrigue.