As Monday looms, marking approximately the 100th game of the MLB season for many teams, several key players' performances are under scrutiny, and fantasy baseball enthusiasts are eager to make strategic decisions based on recent trends and historical stats.
Cody Bellinger's Home Run Pace Slows
Cody Bellinger, a name synonymous with power hitting, has experienced a relatively muted season thus far. In 79 games, Bellinger has managed to hit nine home runs, a stark contrast to his performance last year when he smashed 26 home runs in 130 games. The slow pace might be a point of concern for both the team and fans hoping for a repeat of last year's form.
Nolan Arenado's Struggling Season
Nolan Arenado, widely regarded as one of the premier third basemen in MLB, is enduring the lowest OPS of his career at .702 this season. An OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) is a critical metric in evaluating a player's overall offensive productivity, and this decline is significant for Arenado, who has been a consistent performer throughout his career.
Bobby Witt Jr. Shines Bright
Contrasting the struggles of some seasoned players, young talent Bobby Witt Jr. had an impressive recent outing. In a Saturday game, Witt Jr. went 3-for-4, contributing a double, an RBI, and a run scored. His performance is a bright spot and offers a glimpse into the future potential that he possesses.
Alex Bregman's Hot Streak
MLB fans and fantasy team managers are closely watching Alex Bregman. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, Bregman has been delivering lately. Since July 4th, Bregman boasts a batting average of .314 along with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games. His .885 OPS during this period further underscores his offensive contributions.
Historically, Bregman has performed well against left-handed pitchers, sporting a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. This is particularly relevant as the Athletics plan to start LHP Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris, carrying a career 5.53 ERA, could face challenges against a hot Bregman.
J.P. Crawford's Tactical Advantage
J.P. Crawford is another player making headlines, priced similarly to Bregman on major fantasy platforms—$4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel. Crawford's historical performance against pitcher Tyler Anderson is noteworthy, as he is 3-for-10 with two walks against him. This could be a critical factor for those weighing their fantasy baseball options.
While Crawford has shown impressive numbers against southpaws this season, batting .284 with an .805 OPS, his overall performance is experiencing a dip. He currently has the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, which can be a point of concern for his long-term outlook.
Despite these challenges, Crawford has managed some power this season, with four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers. His versatility in handling different pitchers presents a nuanced picture for fantasy managers.
McClure's Endorsement
In the realm of fantasy baseball, expert endorsements carry weight. McClure, recognized in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," has thrown his support behind rostering J.P. Crawford. This endorsement could sway many fantasy players in Crawford's favor despite his overall struggles this season.
The intricate web of player performances, historical data, and expert opinions adds layers of strategy to managing fantasy baseball teams. As MLB teams hit their 100th game of the season, it's a crucial juncture for making informed decisions that could shape the outcomes of fantasy leagues. The spotlight remains firmly on how these players will navigate the rest of the season, bringing both hope and uncertainty to fans and managers alike.