As the MLB season progresses and teams approach the 100-game mark, several key storylines and player performances are capturing the attention of baseball enthusiasts. Some players are surprising with their exceptional play, while others are struggling to meet expectations.
Cody Bellinger's Performance
Cody Bellinger has been a notable figure this season, hitting nine home runs in 79 games. Comparatively, last season he delivered 26 home runs in 130 games. While his current pace may not match last year’s power output, Bellinger's contribution remains vital to his team's success. It's a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt in a highly competitive league.
Nolan Arenado's Tough Season
Nolan Arenado, typically a powerhouse at the plate, is experiencing the lowest OPS of his career at .702. This downturn has been unexpected, given his consistent track record. The decline in his offensive production has undoubtedly impacted his team, raising questions about what adjustments may be necessary for him to regain his form.
Alex Bregman's Upswing
Alex Bregman has shown notable improvement since July 4, batting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, he's proving to be a valuable asset for fantasy baseball players. Historically, Bregman has a .278 batting average and .862 OPS against left-handed pitching, suggesting a favorable matchup against the Athletics, who will start LHP Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris, with a career ERA of 5.53, could provide Bregman with additional opportunities to continue his hot streak.
J.P. Crawford's Mixed Season
J.P. Crawford offers a contrasting narrative. Priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel, Crawford is navigating through a season of highs and lows. Against southpaws this year, he boasts a .284 batting average and an .805 OPS, along with four home runs in 88 at-bats. His career performance against Tyler Anderson at 3-for-10 with two walks also bodes well.
Despite these strengths, Crawford is enduring the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Nonetheless, his performance against left-handed pitchers remains a bright spot, and McClure, recognized in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering Crawford for fantasy lineups.
Individual and Team Milestones
As teams inch closer to their 100th game of the season, individual performances like those of Bellinger, Arenado, Bregman, and Crawford, continue to shape the landscape of the MLB. Each player's journey reflects a blend of resilience, skill, and occasional adversity, providing a rich tapestry of narratives for fans and analysts alike.
In the coming weeks, it will be fascinating to observe how these narratives evolve and what new milestones are reached. Will Bellinger’s power surge propel his team into playoff contention? Can Arenado rediscover his form and lead a late-season comeback? Will Bregman's resurgence sustain long enough to make him a candidate for league honors? And can Crawford leverage his strengths against specific matchups to turn his season around?
These questions underscore the unpredictable and thrilling nature of baseball, where every game adds a new chapter to an already captivating season. For now, the focus remains on the players' ongoing efforts and the outcomes they strive to achieve, cementing their legacies in the annals of MLB history.