As the MLB season steadily progresses, many teams are reaching a significant milestone by completing their 100th game. With this benchmark in sight, several players stand out due to their impressive performances and noteworthy statistics.
Cody Bellinger's Power Potential
Cody Bellinger continues to showcase his home run prowess, despite playing fewer games this season. In 79 games, Bellinger has hit nine home runs, a remarkable feat considering last season, he managed 26 home runs across 130 games. His consistency in power-hitting continues to make him a valuable asset for his team, suggesting that he could potentially surpass his previous season's performance if he maintains his current pace.
Nolan Arenado's Challenging Season
While Bellinger impresses, Nolan Arenado faces a challenging season. With a .702 OPS, Arenado is recording the lowest OPS of his illustrious career. For a player with Arenado's track record, this dip in performance is unexpected. However, his determination and experience suggest he will be striving to regain his form in the remaining games of the season.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Recent Surge
On the other hand, Bobby Witt Jr. has been making headlines with his recent performances. In their latest Saturday matchup, Witt Jr. went 3-for-4, hitting a double, driving in an RBI, and scoring a run. Such performances not only contribute significantly to his team's success but also solidify his reputation as an emerging star in the league.
Fantasy Picks: Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford present intriguing options. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman has been on a hot streak since July 4. He has been hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over a 13-game span, boasting an .885 OPS. His career performance against left-handed pitchers is also noteworthy, with a batting average of .278 and an .862 OPS.
Given that the Athletics will start LHP Hogan Harris, who has a career ERA of 5.53, Bregman seems poised to make a significant impact. This favorable matchup, combined with his recent form, makes him a compelling pick for fantasy managers.
J.P. Crawford, also priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, presents another attractive option. Currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, Crawford's stats against specific pitchers and in certain situations might be more telling of his potential contributions. Against Tyler Anderson, Crawford has a decent record, going 3-for-10 with two walks. His performance against left-handed pitchers this season has been strong, batting .284 with an .805 OPS and four home runs in 88 at-bats.
Expert Endorsement
McClure, a recognized fantasy sports expert, notably endorses rostering J.P. Crawford, emphasizing the importance of strategic player selections in maximizing fantasy team performance.
Conclusion
As the season hits this critical milestone, MLB players like Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Bobby Witt Jr., Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford are at the center of attention. Their performances will not only influence their teams' standings but also provide thrilling moments for fans and fantasy baseball enthusiasts alike.