As MLB teams approach their 100th game of the season, several players' performances command attention for their impact on current standings and fantasy baseball strategies.
Cody Bellinger's Performance
Cody Bellinger has clocked nine home runs in 79 games this season, a noticeable drop from his previous season's total of 26 home runs in 130 games. Bellinger's dip in power might be worrisome for fans and fantasy owners who have come to expect consistent long-ball production from the former MVP. Given his track record, however, there's hope he could find his stride in the latter part of the season.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
Nolan Arenado, a cornerstone for his team, is experiencing the lowest OPS (.702) of his illustrious career this season. Considering Arenado's typical performance, this downturn might prompt discussions about potential adjustments in his approach or perhaps an underlying issue affecting his play. The drop in his offensive metrics is surprising for a player long celebrated for his consistency and production.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Highlight
In a standout performance, Bobby Witt Jr. went 3-for-4, contributing a double, an RBI, and a run scored in his team's Saturday matchup. Such explosiveness showcases Witt's potential and promise as a key offensive player. Consistently hitting at this level could position him as an essential asset for his team moving forward.
Alex Bregman's Upward Trend
Alex Bregman has displayed remarkable form since July 4, hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, which adds up to a robust .885 OPS. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman's value in fantasy baseball is clear, especially given his career success against left-handed pitchers—batting .278 with an .862 OPS. With the Athletics starting LHP Hogan Harris, who has a career 5.53 ERA, Bregman is poised for a productive outing.
J.P. Crawford's Inconsistent Season
J.P. Crawford presents a challenging case this season. Despite batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws and hitting four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. On DraftKings, he's tagged at $4,200, and at $3,000 on FanDuel.
Moreover, his track record against Tyler Anderson (3-for-10 with two walks) may not offer much reassurance. Recognized in "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," McClure endorses rostering Crawford, indicating there's still perceived value despite the slump.
While the season's trajectory remains unpredictable, these players' performances will undoubtedly shape their teams' fortunes and fantasy baseball outcomes. As we get deeper into the season, it will be interesting to see if struggling players like Arenado and Bellinger can bounce back or if emerging stars like Witt Jr. continue to shine. Meanwhile, fantasy managers must keep an eye on matchups and player trends to optimize their lineups in this critical stretch. Keeping abreast of these developments can provide strategic advantages as the playoff picture begins to come into focus.