As the Major League Baseball season progresses, teams and players are reaching pivotal milestones. This week, several teams are expected to hit the significant 100-game mark in their season, signaling the final stretch before playoff contention heats up. Among the notable players worth discussing, Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford are drawing attention for varied reasons.
Cody Bellinger's Power Surge
Cody Bellinger, the slugging outfielder, has managed to hit nine home runs in 79 games so far this year. This performance is drawing comparisons to his previous season, where he hit 26 home runs in 130 games. Although this year's numbers indicate a slightly lower power output compared to last year, Bellinger remains a formidable presence at the plate.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
On the other hand, Nolan Arenado is having a season that he might prefer to forget. Arenado currently holds a .702 OPS, which stands as the lowest of his career. Historically known for his offensive prowess, Arenado's dip in performance is surprising and has been a topic of discussion among analysts and fans alike.
The Consistency of Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman, the Astros' infielder, has been a model of consistency. Since July 4th, Bregman has been hitting an impressive .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. This performance has brought his OPS to .885 during this stretch. His career stats against left-handed pitchers further underline his reliability, boasting a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS.
Given his recent form, DFS players have taken note, especially with Bregman's pricing on platforms like DraftKings ($4,200) and FanDuel ($3,200). With the Athletics scheduled to start left-hander Hogan Harris, who has a career ERA of 5.53, Bregman's prospects appear even more favorable.
J.P. Crawford: A Spotlight on Performance
J.P. Crawford’s performance this season has been under scrutiny as well. He boasts a .284 batting average and an .805 OPS against southpaws, a testament to his effectiveness in specific matchups. Interestingly, Crawford has demonstrated a balanced power distribution with four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers this season.
Despite these highlights, Crawford is also experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Nevertheless, his career history against specific pitchers offers a glimmer of hope. For instance, his performance against Tyler Anderson is a respectable 3-for-10 with two walks, making Crawford an interesting consideration for DFS players. Priced similarly to Bregman on DraftKings ($4,200) and slightly lower on FanDuel ($3,000), Crawford’s potential return on investment has caught the eye of experts like McClure, a notable figure in the fantasy sports community.
Fantasy Sports Implications
McClure, who is recognized in the well-regarded book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," has expressed confidence in rostering J.P. Crawford. Given the statistical backdrop and Crawford’s occasional flashes of power, McClure's endorsement adds weight to considering Crawford in fantasy lineups.
In summary, as MLB teams approach their 100th game, the focus intensifies, not just on team standings but also on individual performances. From Bellinger’s home runs to Arenado’s uncharacteristic struggles, and from Bregman’s consistent contribution to Crawford’s intriguing but complex season, each storyline adds a layer of excitement and strategy, particularly in the realm of fantasy baseball. As always, informed decisions based on current form and historical data remain key for both fans and fantasy sports enthusiasts.