As Major League Baseball teams gear up for their 100th game milestone this season, various players are making headlines with their performances, both triumphant and lackluster.
One player drawing attention is Cody Bellinger. With nine home runs in 79 games this year, Bellinger’s power numbers have shown a slight dip from last season, in which he blasted 26 homers across 130 games. While Bellinger remains a key player in his team's lineup, the reduction in home run rate has analysts keenly watching to see if he can regain his former pace in the remaining games.
Veteran slugger Nolan Arenado is also making news, though not for reasons he might prefer. Arenado's currently sporting a .702 OPS this season, marking the lowest OPS of his esteemed career. Known historically for his offensive prowess, Arenado’s struggles at the plate have raised questions about potential underlying issues and adjustments needed to return to form.
On the other hand, younger talents like Bobby Witt Jr. are seizing their moments. In a standout performance on Saturday, Witt went 3-for-4, contributing a double, an RBI, and a run scored. His recent success at the plate reflects his ability to be a key asset for his team, showcasing a blend of power and consistency.
Key Players to Watch: Bregman and Crawford
Fantasy baseball enthusiasts are keeping a close watch on Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford, two players providing intriguing value propositions as the season progresses.
Alex Bregman, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, has been on an impressive run since July 4. Batting .314 with three home runs, ten RBIs, and ten runs scored over 13 games, Bregman boasts an .885 OPS in this period. Historically effective against left-handed pitchers, with a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, Bregman faces Oakland’s left-hander Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris comes into the matchup with a career 5.53 ERA, further bolstering Bregman’s potential for a productive game.
J.P. Crawford, similarly priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, has a nuanced track record that deserves attention. His career performance against Tyler Anderson is a modest 3-for-10 with two walks, but his season stats against left-handed pitchers are far more promising. Battling with a .284 average and an .805 OPS against southpaws, Crawford has four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handers this year, compared to five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers.
Despite his success against certain pitchers, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. However, supporters like McClure, noted in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," continue to endorse rostering Crawford, reflecting belief in his potential turnaround.
Strategic Insights for Fantasy Players
For fantasy managers, understanding these players' recent performances and historical data against specific matchups is crucial. Bregman’s current hot streak and career success against lefties present a valuable opportunity, particularly against a struggling pitcher like Harris. Conversely, Crawford’s mixed season shows both his ability to shine against southpaws and his broader struggles.
As the season advances past the 100-game mark, the performances of these key players will invite scrutiny and excitement. Managers and fans alike will continue to watch closely, balancing historical data with current form to make strategic decisions for their teams and fantasy rosters.
In MLB, every game can shift the narrative, and the milestones and metrics of players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt, Bregman, and Crawford are the heartbeat of the sport's vibrant, ever-changing storylines.