As the MLB season progresses towards the milestone of the 100th game, several key performances and statistics are capturing the attention of baseball enthusiasts. Among the notable figures in this period are Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, and J.P. Crawford, each facing different narrative arcs in their careers. Additionally, Alex Bregman has been a standout player as of late, making headlines for his consistent performance, especially in contexts related to fantasy baseball strategies.
Cody Bellinger's Season So Far
Cody Bellinger has been one of the focal points this season, hitting nine home runs in 79 games. Compared to his previous season, where he managed 26 home runs over 130 games, Bellinger’s power at the plate shows promise but also reflects a slower start. Bellinger’s progress will be closely monitored as he is a key player for his team, and his performance could significantly influence their playoff aspirations.
Nolan Arenado's Career-Low OPS
Nolan Arenado, known for his solid hitting and fielding, is experiencing a slump this season with a .702 OPS, the lowest of his career. This dip in form could be concerning for both Arenado and his team as they look to him for leadership and production on the field. The decline in Arenado’s performance could be attributed to various factors, but the specific reasons remain speculative at this point. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike hope to see a resurgence in Arenado's output.
Alex Bregman's Hot Streak
Since July 4th, Alex Bregman has been on an impressive streak, hitting .314 with three home runs, ten RBIs, and ten runs scored over 13 games, culminating in an .885 OPS during this period. Bregman’s career statistics against left-handed pitching are equally compelling, boasting a .278 batting average and .862 OPS. As the Athletics prepare to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris, who possesses a career 5.53 ERA, Bregman’s potential for a big game seems promising. Fantasy baseball enthusiasts would do well to note Bregman's current form and historical success against lefties.
Bregman is priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, costs that could be considered investments given his recent performance. His ability to deliver in high-leverage situations makes him a valuable asset in both real and fantasy baseball contexts.
J.P. Crawford: A Mixed Bag
J.P. Crawford presents an interesting case this season. Despite having a solid performance against left-handed pitchers, batting .284 with an .805 OPS and four home runs in 88 at-bats, Crawford is currently experiencing the lowest batting average and OPS of his eight-year career, standing at .204 and .643, respectively. Interestingly, his career performance against Tyler Anderson, one of the pitchers he is expected to face, is 3-for-10 with two walks. Crawford's current pricing at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel suggests that he remains an appealing option in the fantasy baseball world, especially given his historical success against Anderson.
Recognized fantasy sports expert McClure, who is featured in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering Crawford. This endorsement carries weight in the fantasy sports community and could influence many fantasy baseball rosters in the coming games.
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, these players will continue to be under the microscope. With the 100-game milestone approaching, their performance in the coming weeks could play a pivotal role in their teams' standings and postseason aspirations. Each player’s journey offers a unique narrative in this baseball season, filled with potential comebacks, breakout performances, and surprising twists. The unfolding stories of Bellinger, Arenado, Bregman, and Crawford will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the excitement and unpredictability that baseball fans cherish.