As the MLB season continues its march towards the playoffs, teams and players alike are hitting significant milestones, with Monday marking the 100th game for many organizations. A closer look at individual performances brings to light some remarkable statistics and intriguing storylines.
Cody Bellinger: A Home Run Analysis
Cody Bellinger, a standout in the league, has showcased his power-hitting ability this season, launching nine home runs over 79 games. This performance, while commendable, shows a slight dip compared to last year's numbers when he hit 26 home runs across 130 games. These statistics highlight Bellinger's continued importance in the lineup even as he navigates the challenges of maintaining consistent power numbers year over year.
Nolan Arenado: A Season of Struggles
Nolan Arenado, known for his resilient offensive skills, is experiencing what is arguably the toughest season of his career. His .702 OPS marks the lowest of his professional journey. The renowned third baseman will need to find a way to elevate his game if he hopes to return to his previous All-Star form and help his team in the latter part of the season.
Rising Stars: Bobby Witt Jr. and J.P. Crawford
Bobby Witt Jr. continues to shine, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in a recent Saturday matchup. His contributions have been vital to his team’s offensive output, signaling a bright future for this young star.
J.P. Crawford, another notable player, has made headlines with a solid performance against southpaws this season. Batting .284 with an .805 OPS versus left-handed pitchers, Crawford has demonstrated his ability to handle different pitching styles effectively. His career performance against Tyler Anderson further cements his reputation, boasting a 3-for-10 record with two walks.
Interestingly, Crawford has found more power against left-handers this season, hitting four home runs in 88 at-bats, compared to five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers. Despite these accomplishments, Crawford is currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, suggesting areas for improvement.
Fantasy Baseball Insights: Bregman and Crawford
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, Alex Bregman and J.P. Crawford present intriguing options. McClure, featured in the well-regarded book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. Crawford’s current pricing stands at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, making him a viable choice for savvy owners looking for value.
Meanwhile, Alex Bregman, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, offers strong performance metrics since July 4. Bregman has been hitting .314, along with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored in a 13-game span, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. His career numbers against left-handed pitching include a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, making him a formidable force against southpaw pitchers. With the Athletics scheduled to start LHP Hogan Harris, who has a career 5.53 ERA, Bregman appears set for a productive outing.
Looking Ahead
As MLB teams gear up for the final stretch of the season, the performances of key players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt Jr., Crawford, and Bregman will undoubtedly play significant roles in determining playoff positioning. Fans and fantasy baseball enthusiasts alike will be monitoring these developments closely, hoping for stellar performances from their favorite stars.
The 100th game milestone serves as a crucial juncture in the season, offering players an opportunity to reflect on their journeys so far and make the necessary adjustments for the games ahead. With standout performances and critical challenges, the remainder of the season promises to deliver excitement and drama in equal measure.