As Major League Baseball approaches its 100th game milestone for the season, teams and players alike see their performances analyzed more critically. Key metrics and standout achievements over the season start to take a sharper focus, and a few players are under the microscope now for their notable performances and upcoming prospects.
Cody Bellinger's Power Struggles
Cody Bellinger, once a prominent slugger, has not lived up to his power-hitting reputation this season. With only nine home runs in 79 games, he is far behind his tally from the previous year, where he managed 26 home runs over 130 games. This downturn in form raises questions about the adjustments Bellinger might need to rediscover his home run prowess as his team's playoff hopes hinge on consistent contributions from their stars.
Nolan Arenado's Career-Low OPS
Nolan Arenado has consistently been one of the league's top-performing hitters. However, this season has not been kind to him. Sporting a .702 OPS, the lowest of his career, Arenado's performance at the plate is a significant dip from his typical output. As a player known for his high offensive standards, the drop has been a talking point among analysts and fans alike. The challenge for Arenado is to revert to form and push his team through the remaining games of the season.
A Bright Spot: Bobby Witt Jr.
Amidst these struggles, young talents like Bobby Witt Jr. are providing excitement and optimism. Witt Jr. turned in an exceptional performance in a recent Saturday matchup, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Such performances are crucial for building confidence and momentum as teams stare down the long stretch to potentially make postseason runs.
Alex Bregman's Recent Surge
Alex Bregman has been on a tear since July 4. With a batting average of .314, complemented by three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, Bregman is proving invaluable for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. His .885 OPS during this period underscores his solid form. His career numbers back up his recent performances, with a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS against left-handed pitchers, making him a strong consideration for upcoming games.
Key Matchups and Player Insights
Looking ahead, Bregman is attractively priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, making him a valuable asset for fantasy players. The Athletics' scheduled starter, left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris, and his career 5.53 ERA, present a propitious opportunity for Bregman to continue his offensive surge.
Similarly, J.P. Crawford offers intriguing value in the fantasy baseball market. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford has shown prowess against left-handed pitchers this season, batting .284 with an .805 OPS. Despite battling through a season where he is recording the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his career, Crawford's performance against southpaws remains a bright spot.
Fantasy Insights by McClure
Recognized expert McClure, featured in "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. This endorsement is buoyed by Crawford's historical performance against upcoming pitcher Tyler Anderson, where he has gone 3-for-10 with two walks. Additionally, McClure's advocacy rests on Crawford's four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handers this season, as well as his total of nine home runs across both left and right-handed pitchers.
As teams and players eye the crucial 100-game mark, performance metrics, and player potentials are scrutinized more than ever. The contributions of players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt Jr., Bregman, and Crawford will play pivotal roles in their teams' trajectories moving forward.