As Monday draws near, numerous MLB teams are on the verge of a momentous occasion: reaching their 100th game of the season. This benchmark provides a prime opportunity to evaluate standout performances, emerging trends, and notable metrics shaping the season thus far. Among these developments, two players, Cody Bellinger and Nolan Arenado, have noteworthy stats that encapsulate the shifts and surprises of the season.
Cody Bellinger's Performance
Cody Bellinger, after belting nine home runs over 79 games this year, has shown flashes of the power that once made him one of the league's most feared sluggers. Comparatively, last season saw Bellinger hitting 26 home runs in 130 games. While his current pace suggests a potential drop-off in raw power numbers, it also underscores the inconsistency and pressure that can impact even seasoned players.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
Nolan Arenado, revered for his offensive prowess, currently faces the lowest OPS of his career at .702. For a player of Arenado's caliber, whose career has been marked by consistent excellence, this dip is significant. Nevertheless, Arenado's reputation as a top-tier hitter suggests that he has the fortitude and skill to overcome this downturn.
Aiding their teams amidst these pivotal times, other players have stepped up to make notable contributions as showcased in recent performances.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Contributions
On Saturday, Bobby Witt Jr. made a substantial impact by going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. This solid performance highlights Witt's capability to be a game-changer, providing much-needed consistency and energy to his lineup.
Alex Bregman's Resurgence
Alex Bregman has been particularly impressive since July 4, delivering a batting average of .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over the span of 13 games. With an .885 OPS during this period, Bregman has reignited his season, demonstrating his intrinsic knack for clutch hitting and situational awareness.
Bregman's career metrics against left-handed pitching further enhance his value. With a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, it's no wonder he remains a coveted asset on fantasy platforms, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel.
The Athletics are set to start left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris on Monday, whose career 5.53 ERA suggests potential opportunities for hitters to exploit. For Bregman, this matchup could be advantageous, given his success against southpaws.
J.P. Crawford's Complex Season
Meanwhile, J.P. Crawford's season has been one defined by contrasting performances. Priced similarly to Bregman on fantasy platforms—$4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel—Crawford has faced his own set of challenges and achievements.
Against left-handed pitchers this season, Crawford has posted a commendable .284 batting average and an .805 OPS, along with four home runs in 88 at-bats. His career against Tyler Anderson stands at 3-for-10 with two walks, suggesting he's more than capable of producing impactful at-bats.
However, Crawford is also experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, painting a complex picture of a player striving to maintain consistency amidst adversities.
McClure's Endorsement
McClure, highlighted in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," has endorsed rostering J.P. Crawford. This recommendation is indicative of Crawford's potential to turn around his season, especially given his proficiency against left-handed pitching.
As MLB teams surge past the 100-game mark, the performances of players like Bellinger, Arenado, Witt, Bregman, and Crawford will be under close scrutiny. Their trajectories could very well determine the course of their respective teams' seasons, adding layers of excitement and narrative to the remaining games.