As the MLB season progresses towards its 100th game for many teams, several players are making headlines for their performances and potential impact. One of the standout stories revolves around Cody Bellinger, who has belted nine home runs in his 79 games this year. This comes after a solid campaign last season where he managed 26 home runs in 130 games.
A considerable amount of attention is also being directed towards Nolan Arenado. Historically known for his potent offense, Arenado is experiencing a challenging season with a .702 OPS, the lowest of his career. His performance will be pivotal for his team as they navigate through the second half of the season.
Bobby Witt Jr. Shines in Saturday Matchup
Bobby Witt Jr. has been a bright spot for his team, particularly in their recent Saturday game where he went 3-for-4, including a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Witt's contributions are giving his team the much-needed boost as they strive to improve their standings.
Alex Bregman Finds His Stride
Since July 4, Alex Bregman has been on a tear, hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, accumulating an impressive .885 OPS. Bregman's career numbers against left-handed pitching are solid, with a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, making him a valuable asset for fantasy baseball players. On DraftKings, Bregman is priced at $4,200, while on FanDuel, he sits at $3,200, reflecting his recent surge in performance.
Adding to Bregman’s appeal is his upcoming matchup, as the Athletics are scheduled to start LHP Hogan Harris, who holds a career 5.53 ERA. This advantageous pitching matchup could provide further opportunities for Bregman to continue his hot streak.
J.P. Crawford: A Key Player to Watch
Another player to keep an eye on is J.P. Crawford, who is also priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and at $3,000 on FanDuel. Crawford has shown a knack for performing well against southpaws, batting .284 with an .805 OPS this season. His career performance against Tyler Anderson is noteworthy as well, going 3-for-10 with two walks.
Despite hitting just .204 with an OPS of .643 – the lowest of his eight-year career – Crawford’s splits against left-handed and right-handed pitchers this season reveal interesting dynamics. He has four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handers, compared to five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers. This suggests that while his overall numbers are down, he remains a threat against specific pitching matchups.
McClure’s Endorsement
Fantasy sports enthusiasts would do well to consider Crawford for their lineups, a sentiment echoed by McClure, a recognized authority in the field and a featured name in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune." McClure endorses rostering J.P. Crawford, indicating his potential upside in upcoming games.
As MLB teams approach this pivotal milestone in their season, the performances of players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt Jr., Bregman, and Crawford will be crucial. For fantasy baseball players, the strategic selection of these athletes based on their current form and upcoming matchups can make a significant difference. Keeping an eye on their stats and how they play against specific pitchers will be essential for maximizing points and gaining an edge in competitions.
With the season now advancing into its latter stages, every game and at-bat takes on increased significance. Players toiling through challenging seasons like Arenado and Crawford still have the ability to turn things around, while those in good form like Bellinger, Witt, and Bregman will aim to maintain their momentum. It’s an exciting time for baseball, with much yet to unfold as teams and players vie for headlines and a spot in the postseason.