As MLB teams approach their 100th game of the season, several intriguing stories and standout performances are coming to the forefront. Cody Bellinger, who has hit nine home runs in 79 games this year after hitting 26 in 130 games last season, is one of the many players to watch. The upcoming milestones and individual achievements are adding layers of excitement as teams push towards the postseason.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
A notable concern this season is Nolan Arenado's performance. With a .702 OPS, this marks the lowest OPS of his career. The drop in Arenado's productivity is unusual and has raised questions about his form and future contributions to his team. His struggles have been a significant talking point among analysts and fans alike, considering his usually consistent performances in previous seasons.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Rising Form
On a more positive note, Bobby Witt Jr. has been showing promising signs. In their recent Saturday matchup, Witt went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored, adding a spark to his team's offense. His recent form indicates a player on the rise, ready to make a significant impact as the season progresses.
Alex Bregman: A Solid Bet
Fantasy owners have their eyes on Alex Bregman, who is priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel. Bregman has been in excellent form since July 4, hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His .885 OPS during this period highlights his consistency and effectiveness at the plate.
Bregman’s career numbers against left-handed pitching are also impressive, with a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. With the Athletics slated to start LHP Hogan Harris, who has a career 5.53 ERA on Monday, Bregman appears to be a strong choice for daily fantasy sports enthusiasts.
J.P. Crawford: A Tactical Choice
J.P. Crawford, who shares a similar price point with Bregman at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, presents another interesting option. Crawford has performed well against left-handed pitchers this season, batting .284 with an .805 OPS. He has hit four home runs in 88 at-bats against southpaws, showing a knack for power and consistency.
Crawford's career numbers against Tyler Anderson are modest but reliable, going 3-for-10 with two walks. However, it's worth noting that Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, indicating some challenges in his overall form.
Despite this, McClure, an expert recognized 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 is likely based on Crawford's potential to turn things around against specific matchups, making him an under-the-radar pick for strategic fantasy players.
Looking Ahead
As teams gear up for their 100th game, the varied performances of players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt Jr., Bregman, and Crawford are sure to shape the final stretch of the season. Fans and fantasy owners will be keenly observing these players, hoping for strong finishes and impactful contributions. The dynamics of the season thus far suggest an exciting and unpredictable road ahead, with plenty of storylines yet to unfold.