As Monday approaches, MLB teams are preparing for a milestone with many on the verge of their 100th game of the season. This juncture is often crucial, as teams assess their strengths and weaknesses while players strive to continue making an impact. Several notable performances have caught attention, indicating key player statistics and their implications for both teams and fantasy baseball enthusiasts.
Cody Bellinger’s Power Struggle
Cody Bellinger, an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, has experienced a notable change in his home run statistics. This year, Bellinger has hit nine home runs across 79 games. In comparison, last season he hit 26 home runs over 130 games. These figures suggest a dip in his power hitting, a factor that could concern fantasy managers relying on his home run potential.
Nolan Arenado’s Uncharacteristic Season
Nolan Arenado, a traditionally strong performer at the plate, is experiencing the lowest OPS (on-base plus slugging) of his career at .702. This downturn aberrant for Arenado, could be pivotal in assessing the St. Louis Cardinals' offensive woes. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if this trend will persist or if Arenado will rebound as the season progresses.
Bobby Witt Jr. Shines in Kansas City
Bobby Witt Jr. provided a standout performance in a recent game, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Witt Jr.'s ability to deliver in key moments is a silver lining for the Kansas City Royals, who are heavily reliant on their young talent to rebuild and compete period over the next several seasons.
Alex Bregman’s Renewed Form
Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros has shown substantial improvement since July 4. With a batting average of .314, three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, Bregman currently boasts an impressive .885 OPS. His historical performance against left-handed pitching, featuring a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, remains significant as the Astros prepare to face the Athletics
Additionally, Bregman’s pricing in fantasy baseball leagues, listed at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, underscores his value for those looking to capitalize on his hot streak. The statistics further suggest a strategic advantage, particularly against left-handed starter Hogan Harris, who carries a career 5.53 ERA. This matchup could pose an opportunity for Bregman to continue bolstering his numbers.
J.P. Crawford: An Unsung Hero
In fantasy baseball circles, McClure’s endorsement of J.P. Crawford has not gone unnoticed. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford is an appealing option. Despite a drop in his career numbers, with his lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643), Crawford still shows resilience, particularly against left-handed pitching. This season, he is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, including four home runs in 88 at-bats. Additionally, his career performance against Tyler Anderson—3-for-10 with two walks—adds to his appeal.
Crawford’s ability to adapt and perform against varying pitching styles remains an asset, as highlighted by McClure in the notable book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune." For fantasy managers, Crawford’s diverse skill set and favorable matchups could make him a critical addition to lineups.
Overall Impacts and Insights
As we look toward the upcoming games, the performances of these players are emblematic of the dynamic nature of the baseball season. Bellinger’s home run decline, Arenado’s uncharacteristic season, and Witt Jr.'s promising outings are all parts of a larger narrative unfolding in MLB. Meanwhile, the improved form of Bregman and the under-the-radar potential of Crawford offer insights for fantasy baseball managers aiming to optimize their rosters for success.
With the impending milestone of the 100th game, teams and players alike are at a pivotal point where every game can significantly impact their standing and future performance. Observing these player trends will undoubtedly provide both analysts and fans with much to discuss as the season progresses.