As the MLB season advances, many teams are nearing a significant milestone, with their 100th game mark fast approaching. Outstanding individual performances continue to shape the narrative of the league, providing critical insights for both fans and fantasy sports enthusiasts.
Cody Bellinger's Home Run Prowess
One player who has made his mark this season is Cody Bellinger. In just 79 games, Bellinger has already hit nine home runs. Comparatively, he launched 26 homers over 130 games last season, underscoring a consistent power-hitting ability that remains a threat to opposing pitchers. Bellinger's prowess at the plate may be a highlight for fans looking for spectacular moments in an otherwise grinding regular season.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
On the other hand, Nolan Arenado is facing a challenging season. With an OPS of .702, he is currently experiencing the lowest OPS of his career. For a player of Arenado's caliber, these numbers are significantly below his typical performance levels. This slump is a concern for the team and its fans, who have come to expect more from the star third baseman.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Recent Surge
Bobby Witt Jr. delivered an exceptional performance in the recent matchup on Saturday, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Such a showing is a promising sign for Witt Jr. and his team, indicating his potential to make significant contributions as the season progresses.
Alex Bregman's Solid July
Alex Bregman has been on a tear since July 4, batting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His .885 OPS during this span is a testament to his offensive capabilities. Bregman's career stats against left-handed pitching are also impressive, boasting a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS.
Fantasy baseball players will find his pricing interesting, with Bregman valued at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel. Given his recent form and historical performance against left-handed pitchers, Bregman could be a valuable addition to any roster.
Matchup against Hogan Harris
The Athletics are set to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris, who holds a career ERA of 5.53. This matchup could work in favor of Bregman, considering his proficiency against left-handers. With Harris on the mound, Bregman’s recent hot streak might continue, offering a tantalizing prospect for fantasy sports aficionados.
J.P. Crawford: A Mixed Bag
J.P. Crawford’s performance this season has been a mixed bag. While batting .284 with an impressive .805 OPS against southpaws, and tallying four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers, he is also experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his career. Despite these struggles, Crawford's historical success against Tyler Anderson (3-for-10 with two walks) makes him an intriguing option for fantasy managers.
Crawford is priced consistently with Bregman, at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel. This valuation suggests that despite his overall slump, there is still belief in his ability to perform given the right circumstances. Notably, McClure, a recognized figure in the fantasy sports community, endorses rostering J.P. Crawford, indicating faith in Crawford’s ability to turn things around.
As MLB teams approach their 100th game, individual performances will continue to be scrutinized under the magnifying glass. Stars like Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman will aim to maintain their stellar form, while Nolan Arenado and J.P. Crawford will be looking for ways to overcome their struggles and contribute meaningfully to their teams' successes.
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, the fluctuating performances of key players underscore the volatility and excitement of the game. Keeping a close eye on players' recent performances, historical stats against certain pitchers, and expert endorsements can provide the edge needed to succeed in the highly competitive world of fantasy sports.