This week marks an important milestone for many MLB teams, as the 100th game of the season approaches. As the season progresses, some players are managing to stand out with their performances, while others are experiencing seasons that might not meet their usual standards.
Cody Bellinger's Power Struggles
Cody Bellinger, who showcased significant power last season with 26 home runs in 130 games, appears to be struggling to replicate that form this year. So far, Bellinger has managed to hit nine home runs over 79 games. While it's not a disastrous number, it does mark a noticeable decline from his previous season's performance.
Nolan Arenado's Uncharacteristic Dip
Nolan Arenado, widely respected for his consistent offensive production, is experiencing a surprising downturn this season. His OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) currently sits at .702, the lowest of his career. This statistic starkly contrasts his usual productivity and is a noteworthy deviation in a career that has otherwise been marked by offensive dominance.
Bobby Witt Jr.: A Bright Spot
In contrast to the struggles of some of his counterparts, Bobby Witt Jr. delivered an exceptional performance in his recent game, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in their Saturday matchup. Witt Jr.'s contributions have been a silver lining, reflecting his potential as a key player moving forward.
Evaluating Alex Bregman's Value
Alex Bregman's recent performance has garnered attention, particularly from fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Since July 4, Bregman has been hitting a robust .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored, leading to an impressive .885 OPS over 13 games. His ability to deliver consistently has made him a valuable asset in fantasy sports.
On DraftKings, Bregman is priced at $4,200, while his value on FanDuel stands at $3,200. These valuations make him an appealing option for those looking to optimize their fantasy lineups.
Bregman's Performance Against Left-Handed Pitchers
Bregman's career performance against left-handed pitching is notable, boasting a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. This statistic is particularly relevant with the Athletics scheduled to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris, who has a career ERA of 5.53, could be a favorable matchup for Bregman.
J.P. Crawford's Consistency
Another player to watch is J.P. Crawford, who has shown proficiency against left-handed pitchers this season. Crawford is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, with four home runs in 88 at-bats. His consistent performance has been recognized and endorsed by McClure, a noted fantasy sports expert.
On DFS platforms, Crawford is priced similarly to Bregman, at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel. Despite experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career overall, Crawford's splits against lefties could make him a valuable pick in certain matchups.
Conclusion
As the MLB season continues to unfold, performances will ebb and flow. Players like Cody Bellinger and Nolan Arenado will aim to overcome their struggles, while rising stars and steady performers like Bobby Witt Jr., Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford demonstrate the potential to impact games significantly. Fantasy sports enthusiasts and loyal fans alike will certainly have their eyes on these players as the season progresses beyond the 100-game mark.