As the Major League Baseball season advances, several teams are on the cusp of reaching their 100th game. This milestone invites a retrospective look at player performances, trade potentials, and strategic maneuvers as teams gear up for the final stretch. Among the intriguing narratives this season, Cody Bellinger's and Nolan Arenado's performances stand out for different reasons, impacting both their teams and fantasy baseball enthusiasts.
Cody Bellinger: A Mixed Bag
Cody Bellinger, who has struggled to find his footing since his MVP season in 2019, has hit nine home runs in 79 games this year. Although this is a modest tally, it marks a cautious improvement over his 26 home runs in 130 games last season. The outfielder's performance continues to be closely watched, not just by his team but also by fantasy baseball players eyeing his potential resurgence.
Nolan Arenado's Uncharacteristic Season
Nolan Arenado, known for his consistent power hitting and impeccable defense, has encountered uncharted territory this season with a .702 OPS. This is notably the lowest OPS of his career, posing a concern for both the St. Louis Cardinals and his fans. The third baseman will need to up his game if the Cardinals are to make a playoff push, and if he is to maintain his standing as one of the league's elite players.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Flash of Brilliance
Saturday's game saw Bobby Witt Jr. deliver a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. He has been a bright spot for the Kansas City Royals, showcasing the talent that made him one of baseball's top-rated prospects. Witt Jr.'s ability to perform under pressure is a promising sign for the Royals as they build for the future.
Fantasy Baseball Insights: Spotlight on Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman has been catching the eyes of fantasy baseball aficionados, especially since July 4. Over this period, Bregman has been hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored, culminating in an impressive .885 OPS over 13 games. Given his consistent performance, fantasy players might find his pricing on DraftKings ($4,200) and FanDuel ($3,200) quite appealing. Additionally, Bregman has a strong track record against left-handed pitching, boasting a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS. The Athletics are set to start LHP Hogan Harris on Monday, who has a career 5.53 ERA. This matchup presents a lucrative opportunity for Bregman to further elevate his stats and for fantasy managers to capitalize on his recent form.
J.P. Crawford: A Calculated Gamble
Another player garnering attention in fantasy leagues is J.P. Crawford. Priced similarly to Bregman on DraftKings ($4,200) and FanDuel ($3,000), Crawford has had mixed success this season. Notably, his career performance against Tyler Anderson, who he faces next, stands at 3-for-10 with two walks, signaling a potentially favorable matchup. Crawford is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws this season and has four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers. However, he is currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career, making him a calculated gamble for fantasy players. Nevertheless, known fantasy sports analyst McClure endorses rostering Crawford, highlighting his potential upside.
Strategic Adjustments as the Season Progresses
With MLB teams approaching their 100th game of the season, player performances continue to be scrutinized. Cody Bellinger's efforts to reclaim his offensive prowess, Nolan Arenado's unexpected dip in performance, and the steady contributions of Bobby Witt Jr. and Alex Bregman offer ample storylines for fans and analysts alike. As teams strategize for their remaining games, fantasy baseball managers must also make critical decisions based on players' recent performances and upcoming matchups. The key to mastering fantasy sports lies in recognizing trends and seizing opportunities, much like McClure's recommendation to roster J.P. Crawford despite his current slump, banking on a turnaround against favorable pitching matchups.
In the dynamic world of baseball, where every game holds potential for change, both real-life teams and fantasy managers must stay vigilant, always ready to adapt to the game's ever-shifting landscape.