As MLB's 100th game milestone approaches for many teams, fans are deep into the season, analyzing stats and performances of their favorite players. Among those making headlines is Cody Bellinger, who continues to demonstrate his power at the plate. With nine home runs in 79 games this season, Bellinger is on pace for a notable year. Last year, he managed to hit 26 home runs across 130 games – an impressive statistic that keeps expectations high.
Another player under the spotlight is Nolan Arenado. Currently, Arenado is experiencing the lowest OPS of his career at .702, a surprising dip for the perennial All-Star known for his consistent offensive production. This season’s statistics serve as an unsettling contrast to his usual performance, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike about what might be affecting his game.
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to shine, particularly after a stellar performance in the latest Saturday matchup. Witt went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored, proving his capabilities as a reliable contributor to his team's offense. Keeping an eye on his momentum will be crucial as the season progresses.
Fantasy baseball enthusiasts are buzzing about Alex Bregman. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman has been delivering solid numbers since July 4. He's batting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, translating to an impressive .885 OPS. Bregman’s career performance against left-handed pitching also bolsters his appeal, with a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS.
This Monday, Bregman will face the Athletics' left-handed pitcher, Hogan Harris, who carries a career 5.53 ERA. This matchup could provide another opportunity for Bregman to capitalize on his hot streak against lefties, further solidifying his value in daily fantasy sports.
J.P. Crawford is another player to watch closely, particularly in daily fantasy leagues. Also priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford's track record against Tyler Anderson is notable. Crawford has gone 3-for-10 with two walks against Anderson, showing he has had some success in past encounters. Furthermore, Crawford is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws this season, hitting four home runs in 88 at-bats versus left-handed pitchers compared to five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers.
However, it’s worth noting that Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite these overall season struggles, McClure, an expert recognized in "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering Crawford, suggesting potential upside given his situational performance against left-handed pitching.
As we dive deeper into the season, the metrics and matchups continue to paint a vivid picture of player performances and strategies worth considering for both fans and fantasy gamers. With key players like Bellinger, Arenado, Bregman, and Crawford navigating through highs and lows, the second half of the MLB season promises to be as unpredictable and thrilling as ever.